Commission on Mineral Resources

Duties of the Commission

Per NRS 513.063, the duties of the Commission are to:

  1. Keep itself informed of and interested in the entire field of legislation and administration charged to the Division.
  2. Report to the Governor, the Mining Oversight and Accountability Commission created by NRS 514A.040 and the Legislature on all matters which it may deem pertinent to the Division, and concerning any specific matters previously requested by the Governor or the Mining Oversight and Accountability Commission.
  3. Advise and make recommendations to the Governor, the Mining Oversight and Accountability Commission and the Legislature concerning the policy of this State relating to minerals.
  4. Formulate the administrative policies of the Division.
  5. Adopt regulations necessary for carrying out the duties of the Commission and the Division.

Members of the Commission

Josh Nordquist (Chairman)

Josh Nordquist (Chairman)

Geothermal Resources
Mr. Nordquist is the Vice President of Drilling for Ormat Technologies, Inc., a geothermal energy developer and operator in Nevada, and worldwide. Josh has worked in the geothermal industry for over 15 years, first in business development roles including project development and regulatory and legislative affairs, then progressing to leadership roles in Ormat’s Resource Operations Group. In his current role, he oversees the company’s drilling activities supporting the exploration and development of geothermal resources worldwide.

Josh is active in the US geothermal industry, having served as a Vice President for the Geothermal Energy Associations, board member for the Geothermal Resources Council and President of the Nevada Geothermal Council. He also served on the Nevada New Energy Industry Task Force in 2016-2017.

Mr. Nordquist received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2001 and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, in 2005.
Nigel Bain

Nigel Bain

Large-Scale Mining

Nigel Bain graduated from the University of Otago in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science, with honors, majoring in Mineral Technology.

Nigel has worked in the US mining industry for over 35 years starting with mine engineering roles and progressing into roles in senior management. He has worked in Nevada for the last 30 years and lived in six Nevada counties. His resume features roles with mining companies ranging from some of the smallest in the industry to some of the world’s largest producers, in commodities ranging from industrial minerals to precious metals.

Looking for challenge he has joined Hycroft Mining Corporation serving as Vice President of Operations for the effort to restart the Hycroft Mine.

He has been repeatedly recognized by a number of regional and national organizations for his leadership in mine safety. But he is proudest of the USA National Mining Association’s Sentinel of Safety award. In addition to once receiving this prestigious award, Nigel has managed a number of different mines similarly nominated. In 2016 he was awarded the International Society of Mine Safety Professional’s Leadership Award for his impact on mine safety.

Over his career, Nigel has helped to develop and implement new initiatives and technologies that have worked to improve safety, productivity, and the working culture with great success. Under his leadership, a number of mines have set enviable safety, production and cost records. He is a firm believer in creating transparent, engaged cultures where safety, environmental and production goals are all met, and where all employees understand the goals of the team and support each other unselfishly.

Nigel is a past Chairman of the Nevada Mining Association and provides support to a number of community outreach and education initiatives in rural Nevada.

Robert Felder

Robert Felder

Exploration and Development
Mr. Robert Felder is a retired exploration geologist/mining company executive following a successful 40-year career in the mining industry. Bob started on a technical track as an exploration geologist and advanced into management and executive roles in the latter part of his career. He has been involved in the discovery and resource development of several projects in Nevada which have subsequently become mines, and through that experience has become very well versed in all aspects of mineral exploration, development, and permitting, from early-stage generative exploration to resource and reserve definition.

Bob currently serves as a consulting Technical Advisor for several companies, advising on a variety of issues from corporate strategy and business development to geology and exploration. Bob is active in the Nevada geologic community and currently serves as Chairman of the Geological Society of Nevada (GSN) Foundation and as a Vice President of the Nevada Section of The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).

Bob received a B.S. in Geology and Mineralogy in 1979 and an M.S. in Geochemistry and Economic Geology in 1981, both from The Ohio State University, and is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) as recognized by AIPG.
Randy Griffin

Randy Griffin

Small-Scale Mining and Prospecting
Randy has been living and working in Nevada for a mining company for 15 years. Currently, Randy lives in Henderson, NV. Randy retired at the end of 2020 from Lhoist North America (LNA) after 25 years in sales. During his time with LNA, he served as a Board Member for the Nevada Mining Association. Previously, Randy was the Sales and Distribution Manager for 15 years at a chromium chemical manufacturer in Corpus Christi, Texas and was responsible for sales into South America, U.K., Japan, South Korea, Central America, and Mexico.
Stephanie Hallinan

Stephanie Hallinan

Large-Scale Mining
Stephanie Hallinan has been involved with Nevada mining properties throughout her 20-year career. Her interest in science and minerals began with earning her B.S. degree in Geological Sciences from San Diego State University. Stephanie started in the Nevada mining industry working for various departments to understand all aspects of operations from exploration to closure. Her career path then led to the environmental regulatory world, and various positions with mining and consulting companies. Stephanie has held certifications as a Certified Water Operator, also in RCRA S30 Hazardous/Toxic Waste Management, Hazwoper, and DOT. She has experience in both Federal and State permitting programs in multiple disciplines including air and water programs, reclamation, cultural resources, TRI, and wildlife. Stephanie is currently the Environmental Superintendent at the Bald Mountain Mine for KG Mining (Bald Mountain) Inc. Stephanie is a current member of the Women’s Mining Coalition and the Geological Society of Nevada and a past member of the Nevada Mining Association Education Committee distributing information on the importance of mining, both locally and nationally.
Arthur Henderson

Arthur Henderson

Oil and Gas
Mr. Henderson has more than 30 years of management, engineering design and construction experience in the petrochemical, polymer and petroleum industries.  His work has included process design and engineering, construction management and petroleum drilling engineering for some of the world’s largest integrated oil companies.   He began his career as a drilling engineer for Amoco drilling deep gas wells in Western Oklahoma, and now travels internationally consulting for major companies in the design and construction of petrochemical plants.  He holds degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Microbiology from the University of Oklahoma, and is a registered professional petroleum engineer in both Nevada and Texas.
Mary Korpi

Mary Korpi

Public at Large
Mary Korpi began working for Newmont Mining Corporation in 1976 at Magma Copper Company in San Manuel, Arizona. She transferred to Newmont's Nevada operations in 1987 and served in a variety of capacities for Newmont, including Director of Metallurgical Services, Director of Loss Control, Leach and Mill Superintendent, and over the final years of her career, as Director of External Relations and Communications for North America. Mary has held numerous non-profit and community-based organizations in Northeastern Nevada such as the Northeastern Nevada Economic Development Authority, Elko Area Chamber of Commerce, and Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital. She is also a member of several professional organizations where she has held leadership roles including Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration; The Mining and Metallurgical Society of America, Nevada Mining Association, Women's Mining Coalition and the American Association of University Women. Korpi was recognized in 2016 as the Distinguished Nevadan for her profound and lasting impact on the lives of all Nevadans.

Nicole N. Ting

Deputy Attorney General