Another boost to Churchill County's economy may be more than a year away, but preparations are being made to reopen the Buena Vista Iron Ore Mine 24 miles south of Lovelock.

Churchill County Commissioners learned at their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday that Richmond Mining, a Perth, Australia, company doing business as Nevada Iron, intends to reopen the mine, which is located inside the county and near the Pershing County line.

Mr Jim Wallace, a planning consultant with the company, said that the life expectancy of the mine could extend upward to 20 years and produce about 1.5 million tonnes annually. He added that “We'll ship the ore overseas for processing."

Mr Wallace said that it will cost between USD 100 million to USD 130 million to make the mine operational. He said water will be supplied by at least two groundwater wells, and an electrical transmission line designed and constructed by NV Energy will be located within the existing right of way along Coal Canyon Road.

Mr Wallace confirmed that a Reno based trucking company will transport the ore to West Coast ports for export. Upward to 100 people could be employed by the mine and trucking company. He added that "The tax generated by this mine will be a boost to Churchill County. I don't mind sharing the project with our friends in Pershing County. They need jobs, too."

(Sourced from www.lahontanvalleynews.com)