State officials hope to replace mining with tourism in Ely

Tuesday, June 29, 1999 | 4:07 a.m.

BHP Copper North America Friday shut down its Robinson Project, the nation's largest open-pit mine, because of slumping prices for copper.

The copper mine is located near Ely. Its closing will put 400 people, or more than 10 percent of the county workforce, out of work.

Hunt said people are calling and asking: "What can we do to help the people in Ely?"

"Just go visit them," she says.

Tourism is one of the key businesses in White Pine County, she said. An increase in travel to the area would help struggling businesses and merchants in the county.

Hunt hoped that the state could use some of its tourism marketing funds within 10 days to advertise Ely as a place for Reno and Las Vegas residents to visit.

The state also might distribute public service announcements for broadcasters and newspapers to carry.

The area has several tourist attractions, including Great Basin National Park, the Ghost Train, Nevada Northern Railway Museum, East Ely Railroad Depot Museum and Lehman Caves.

"It's great," she said. "There are a lot of interesting things to see."

In addition, Hunt plans to hold a regular meeting of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development in Ely, possibly as soon as August. On the same day, she wants to have a town meeting of key elected, business and community leaders to address the economic stress caused by the mine closing.

Many area residents own homes in the area, have lived there long periods and are reluctant to move, she said.

"To these people, this is a real crisis," Hunt said. "It's serious. There are families involved."