In Esmeralda County — Nevada’s least-populated with fewer than 750 people in 2023 — workers are scarce. And hundreds of jobs are coming as Australian mining giant Ioneer Inc. gets ready to begin work at Rhyolite Ridge. When everything is up and running at Rhyolite Ridge, the mine will generate millions for the county. But until then, Ioneer has announced an agreement with Esmeralda County that will bring $5-7 million to support the growth of emergency services that will be needed when operations begin — about three years away.
The agreement is in the final stages of approval with the county. The agreement provides for three sheriff’s deputies, six emergency services staffers and a grant writer. It will pay for a new fire truck, an ambulance and other vehicles. It also provides for a $900,000 emergency services building, as well as equipment for the emergency crew.
If Esmeralda County succeeds in securing grants to fund any of the jobs or associated costs, Ioneer could get that amount paid back in annual payments. If that happens, half the money going to Ioneer would be set aside for the county to help residents in the region who need domestic water wells drilled deeper or rehabilitated. “Ioneer’s investments will make for a safer and more secure Esmeralda County,” County Fire Chief Jeffrey Bushnell said. “We’re grateful for their financial support and look forward to our continued partnership for the many years that follow.”
