The Nevada Mining Association (NVMA) announced the recipients of the 2026 Individual Safety Awards, recognizing 45 professionals for their leadership and commitment to workplace safety. The Individual Safety Awards, along with Mine Operator and Contractor Safety Awards, will be presented to this year’s honorees during the Celebration of Excellence on September 11 at the 2026 NVMA Convention in Lake Tahoe.
The NVMA’s Individual Safety Awards recognize miners throughout Nevada who go above and beyond to promote safe practices and strengthen safety culture within their organizations. Through a peer-nomination and voting process, NVMA member companies identified individuals across 12 categories whose contributions have made a meaningful impact on their operations and fellow miners. This year, 211 nominations were submitted.
“Safety is the number one priority in Nevada mining,” said NVMA President Amanda Hilton. “The industry continues to strengthen its safety performance through innovation and a shared commitment to protecting one another. These awards recognize the individuals whose dedication helps ensure that commitment is reflected every day.”
Safety remains a defining value of Nevada’s mining industry and a responsibility shared at every level of the workforce, helping position Nevada as a leader in mining safety and regulatory oversight. For more information about the NVMA and its commitment to safety, visit www.nevadamining.org.
The 2026 NVMA Individual Safety Award Winners include:
Superintendent
Tim Allen, McEwen Mining
Ruben Berumen, Southwest Critical Materials, LLC
Kristine Murphy, Kinross
Jason New, Nevada Gold Mines
Safety Professional
James Clark, McEwen Mining
Sean Gallian, Nevada Gold Mines
Jennifer Gonzalez, Coeur Mining
Angelica Lopez, US Silica
Nathan Trujillo, KGHM
Operational Manager
John Hebert, i-80 Gold Corp
Kristine Murphy, Kinross
General Supervisor/Middle Management
Dan Gackle, Nevada Gold Mines
Jorge Granados, McEwen Mining
Hannah Holt, US Silica
Adam Longman, Nevada Gold Mines
Joe Pepiot, Nevada Gold Mines
Russell Reed, KGHM
Supervisor- Tier 1 (less than 14 direct reports)
Jayce Montes, Coeur Rochester
Eve Marie Evenson Needham, McEwen Mining
Supervisor- Tier 2 (more than 15 direct reports)
Archie “Kiwi” Kapua, Kinross
Brandon Swindlehurst, Coeur Rochester
Trainer
Jimmy Browning, SSR Mining
Travis Holman, SSR Mining
Tonya Solis, Nevada Gold Mines
EMS & Mine Rescue
Heather Hoopes, Nevada Gold Mines
Melissa Schwebble, McEwen Mining
Safety Champion
Kyle Anderson, Nevada Gold Mines
Patricia Cannon, Hecla Nevada
Israel Chavez, Hecla Nevada
JoEtta Davis, Integra Resources
Thomas Downing, Kinross
Amber Gearhart, Kinross
Dylan Gruse, i-80 Gold Corp
Liza Mitchell, Coeur Rochester
Lee Morgan, Nevada Gold Mines
Justin Moyle, McEwen Mining
Alex Peck, SSR Mining
Lauren Shyluk, Kinross
Jose Torres, Nevada Gold Mines
Dave Vaglivielo, McEwen Mining
Josh Young, Nevada Gold Mines
Thomas Young, Nevada Gold Mines
General Manager
Todd Sylvester, McEwen Mining
Safety Manager
Nicole Silberschlag, KGHM
Vendor/Supplier
Jonathan Callendar, Komatsu
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About the Nevada Mining Association
The mission of the Nevada Mining Association (NVMA) is to unite, inform, advocate, and serve as the public voice of Nevada’s modern mining industry. From advocacy on major policy issues to developing innovative ways to connect members with opportunities, the Nevada Mining Association builds recognition of the mining industry’s contribution across the Silver State. The Nevada Mining Association is committed to leading environmental stewardship and the health and safety of workers, residents, and communities. The NVMA envisions Nevadans embracing the mining industry as forward thinking, respected, and essential for a vibrant future. For more information, visit www.nevadamining.org. Stay up to date with all Nevada Mining Association activities on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
The Abbi Agency
nvma@theabbiagency.com
