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Orla Mining seeks updated letter of support for South Railroad project; company estimates 300 jobs and $200M build cost
Summary
Orla Mining updated the county on permitting for the South Railroad project, said notice of intent for NEPA is pending publication and requested an updated letter of support; company estimates roughly 300 permanent jobs, significant construction spending and annual tax receipts to Elko County.
Don Dwyer, general manager for Orla Mining, told the commission the South Railroad project (surface gold‑silver) is in permitting and that the company's notice of intent (NOI) is in Washington, D.C., with an expected BLM publication that would start a roughly 12‑month NEPA clock. He said Orla is spending about $10–15 million a year on exploration and estimated construction costs "approximately 200,000,000," adding that the project could produce starting in 2027 if permits and approvals proceed.
Jamie Donovan, Orla's community relations manager, outlined community commitments including local hiring partnerships with Great Basin College, using buses to reduce traffic for the estimated workforce, and continued donations and volunteer work. Commissioners asked about water rights and traffic mitigation; Orla said it has purchased some water rights and is pursuing further acquisitions while continuing mitigation discussions with the BLM and cooperating agencies.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to update the county's letter of support for Orla's permitting process; the motion was seconded, opened for comment and carried by voice vote. Commissioners and the company agreed staff will circulate updated scoping and public‑meeting dates when the NOI publishes.
