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Yerington council approves special-use permit for Southwest Critical Materials mine with conditions
Summary
The Yerington City Council unanimously approved a special use permit for Southwest Critical Materials’ underground mining project, imposing 16 conditions including quarterly coordination with fire and emergency responders, an approved traffic plan, annual status reports and an annual SUP review.
The Yerington City Council on March 23 unanimously approved a special use permit for Southwest Critical Materials (SCM) to resume underground mining operations near Yerington, approving 16 conditions intended to limit community impacts and ensure regulatory compliance. The council acted after a presentation by SCM and public comment both supporting and opposing the project.
Tracey Thom, representing Southwest Critical Materials, told the council the site has 22 acres of mineral rights and a 2,100-foot shaft already constructed underground. Thom said the company has secured funding and a new production plan and expects “production should start at the end of the year 2026.” Interim City Manager Jerry Bryant reviewed the Planning Commission’s 16 recommended conditions, including quarterly coordination with the City and Mason Valley Fire Protection District, an annually updated emergency response plan to be shared with local emergency responders, a traffic plan with required access routes and a road maintenance/mitigation agreement with the city.
Mayor John J. Garry voiced support for the project as part of Yerington’s economic base, saying mining offers “long term careers” and local training opportunities. Supporters in public comment included Micah Triplett; opponents including Robin Biggs raised concerns about transparency and potential impacts on the community.
The council’s conditions require SCM to provide annual status reports beginning one year after approval, to comply with all applicable federal, state and local permits, and to return for public review if the company proposes any change in use or operations. The Planning Commission had recommended conditional approval; the council’s action finalizes the SUP with the listed mitigation steps.
Next steps required by the permit include regular reporting to the city and fire district and an annual review of the SUP; failure to comply or non-use for a year may trigger revocation proceedings under the permit terms.
