• Battle Mountain Museum Complex showcases mining heritage
• Lithium Americas is localizing the benefits
• Mine Safety Conference returns to Reno this year
• Black Rock Vision Center supports mining community AND MORE!
On-site emergency response teams provide crucial, life-saving care to fellow workers at Nevada mines. Depending on locations, some mine rescue teams partner with local emergency response agencies for training and rescue purposes.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SSR MARIGOLD
MINING 2025
Special
In the rugged heart of northern Nevada, where mining remains one of the region’s most vital industries, emergency preparedness is not just a box to check, but aa shared responsibility that safeguards lives, lands, and livelihoods. The Marigold Mine (Marigold), operated by Marigold Mining Company (MMC), a wholly owned subsidiary of SSR Mining Inc. (SSR), exemplifies this commitment through a strong and evolving partnership with local emergency services, ensuring a well-coordinated, rapid, and effective response to potential incidents.
The foundation of this collaboration lies in a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Marigold and Humboldt County, and an additional one with the Golconda Fire Protection District (GFPD) and the Valmy Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD). These MOUs outline how public and private resources come together in the event of wildfires, hazardous materials incidents, vehicle incidents, structural fires, and other emergencies on or near the Marigold Mine.
Mining Meets Mutual Aid
The nature of mining operations, typically remote locations, heavy equipment, fuels, hazardous materials, and complex infrastructure, demands proactive emergency planning. Under the MOUs, members of Marigold’s trained Emergency Response Team are active members of GFPD and VVFD on a voluntary basis, enhancing response for both the mine and the county.
A VVFD fire engine is permanently stationed at Marigold, maintained by the de-partment and readily available for incidents within and beyond the mine’s boundaries. This integration allows for quick mobilization of firefighting assets and creates a seamless interface between mine-based responders and local fire services.
Communication and Coordination
Regular meetings between MMC, Humboldt County, and GFPD ensure alignment on everything from emergency contact lists and radio interoperability to up-to-date maps and restricted areas. These sessions also focus on identifying critical infrastruc-ture, water access points, hazardous zones, and endangered species protection areas. This granular planning can dramatically improve the effectiveness and safety of emergency operations.
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To enable fast and accurate communication, the MOUs authorize cross-programming of both county and company radios. This two-way radio compatibility ensures that responders, regardless of agency or employment, can remain in constant contact during an evolving incident.
Training for Readiness
Both parties invest heavily in joint training. MMC provides annual incident management instruction for mine employees and local responders, covering topics such as wildland and structural firefighting, hazardous materials response, use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), and the Incident Command System (ICS). Conversely, GFPD offers training to mine personnel on radio operations, fire apparatus use, and emergency procedures.
This dual approach ensures that all responders, regardless of employer, are well-versed in each other’s protocols and equipment. As a result, when seconds count, co-ordination is second nature.
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Swift, Safe, and Scalable Response
One of the most significant strengths of this partnership is its flexibility. In many cases, Marigold’s Emergency Response Team can initiate a rapid response using their own resources. This can be especially critical if Humboldt County personnel are in route from farther distances. When conditions warrant, Humboldt County takes over incident command, or a unified command structure is implemented to manage larger or more complex scenarios.
Additionally, MMC’s heavy equipment and water resources can be authorized for use in offsite emergencies, expanding the reach of county response efforts further demonstrating the mine’s community-centered philosophy.
Protecting More Than the Mine
Beyond the technical and logistical planning, this collaboration reflects a deeper value: shared stewardship. By prioritizing public and responder safety, the MOUs between MMC and Humboldt County illustrate how industry and government can work together for the greater good. This partnership doesn’t just protect mining in-frastructure—it protects the people, environment, and communities that call Humboldt County home.
In Nevada’s ever-evolving mining landscape, MMC’s approach serves as a model for responsible resource development where preparation, partnership, and prevention go hand in hand.
BY NEVADA GOLD MINES
In alignment with our safety vision of “Every person going home safe and healthy every day,” Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) has implemented on-site paramedic services.
Recognizing the extended transport times from our remote mine sites to the nearest hospitals, having on-site paramedics significantly enhances our emergency medical capabilities. NGM paramedics can now provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) immediately—improving outcomes in the rare occurrence of a critical situation where every minute counts.
Paramedics have a broader scope of practice, including the training to administer life-saving medications and treat high-acuity incidents on site. Their expertise also allows them to assess, treat, and safely release employees back to work, reducing unnecessary ER visits and minimizing downtime.
NGM paramedics can deliver a wide range of specialized services, including:
• Wound care using medical-grade adhesives
• Eye exams and foreign object removals
• Evaluations for potential corneal abrasions
• On-site assessments to determine need for x-rays
• Heat illness rehabilitation and monitoring
• Beyond emergency response, paramedics support overall workplace safety and compliance by managing services such as:
• Drug and alcohol testing
• First aid and eyewash station maintenance
• Lead blood draws
• EMS training and certification
• EMS inventory management
• Clinic evaluations
This investment in on-site paramedics is a proactive step toward increasing the quality and timeliness of medical care at our mine sites. By bringing advanced care directly to the field, NGM is not only improving emergency outcomes but also building a stronger, more resilient safety culture.
[PHOENIX] In the gold refining process, sulfide sulfur concentrate cakes are a vital supplement for boosting gold recovery when processing sulfur-deficient ore.
At Carlin’s Gold Quarry (GQ) roaster, this sulfur-deficient ore is common. For years, the nearby Mill 5 helped balance the process by supplying the sulfur-rich concentrate needed to increase recovery rates. But as Mill 5’s resources began to run low, the team looked for a new source of this crucial ingredient.
Phoenix emerged as a promising alternative. Metallurgical testing and a 2022 pilot plant demonstration showed that Phoenix could produce a high-quality concentrate capable of supporting the GQ roaster—and possibly more. Based on those results, the decision was made to build a full-scale facility to produce sulfide sulfur concentrate cakes.
Before the new facility was built, the GQ roaster still received concentrate from Phoenix, but it arrived as slurry with up to 50% water, rather than in the more effective and efficient cake form.
Engineers began their work in January 2023, and Lander County approved the building permit in October of that year. Concrete work started in the fall and wrapped up in early 2024. By May, structural steel began forming the bones of the building, and the Lasta Filter Presses arrived in June. Throughout the summer of 2024, several teams collaborated to construct a 100,000-gallon tank, along with several others necessary for the process.
Siding installation began in January 2025, and throughout the first quarter of this year, skilled teams were hard at work testing and certifying the inner workings of the plant. Final adjustments and sign-offs were completed in April.
Now, the GQ roaster has the sulfur cakes it needs to boost gold recovery, and Phoenix has reclaimed valuable elements that would have otherwise been sent to a tailings facility. Nevada Gold Mines has reduced the need to purchase sulfide sulfur from external sources, and any residual gold in the Phoenix concentrate is now also recovered. A win all around.
More than 216 people from Nevada Gold Mines and its business partners worked together to bring this facility from the ground up. Like any major construction effort, the team faced challenges—pouring concrete in winter, structural steel delays, and equipment issues. But with a focus on safety, clear communication, careful planning, and determination, the team delivered this impressive achievement.
Chris Hamilton, Process Planning Superintendent at Phoenix, shared his appreciation:
“Everyone, from the Capital Projects Team and the team at Phoenix to our business partners at Ram Enterprise and STX Automation, pitched in to work safely and successfully. I want to especially thank Mike Chopp, Debra Lau, and Barton Stanley for their countless hours and support throughout the project. And one final, heartfelt thank you to my wife, Carly Bennett. I couldn’t have done it without you by my side.”
BY DANA BENNETT
In 1869, Robert McBeth nailed a sign to a telegraph pole near the tracks of the Central Pacific Railroad to mark the location of the new railroad station, which would anchor the also-new town of Battle Mountain, Nevada. McBeth was the largest mine owner/ operator in the nearby Battle Mountain Mining District, and he successfully convinced railroad officials to move the station away from Argenta and closer to the booming district. The new station
meant that gold and copper ore could be freighted to the transcontinental railroad in one day rather than two. Argenta vanished into the mists of history, and the town of Battle Mountain became an important mining center for northern Nevada.
Over the next 150+ years, mining became an important factor in the economies of Battle Mountain and Lander County. In addition to gold, silver, and copper, Battle Mountain mines produced lead, zinc, antimony, manganese, and mercury. During the 1950s, Battle Mountain’s turquoise mines delivered high-quality pieces to artists in New Mexico and Arizona. The jewelry made during that era is now highly prized. In the 1970s, Battle Mountain produced 80 percent of the world’s barite. With today’s production at the Cortez complex, the Phoenix, and Marigold, mining remains at the center of Battle Mountain’s story.
The railroad station that was built on McBeth’s location, served Battle Mountain for nearly 100 years but was demolished in the 1980s. It was never forgotten, however, and a replica of
the iconic yellow building was constructed on Battle Mountain Cookhouse Museum grounds. With local mining companies contributing more than 50 percent of the construction costs, this beautiful replica has been dubbed the Battle Mountain Depot and Mining Museum. It will provide gallery expansions and offer a community and visitor event space while highlighting the importance of mining to the past, present, and future of Battle Mountain and Nevada as a whole.
The Depot and Mining Museum sits next to the Battle Mountain Cookhouse Museum, which was moved to its current location nearly 25 years ago. It had been used at the 25 Ranch, which once belonged to the W.T. Jenkins family, since the 1920s. With strong support from the State of Nevada, Lander County, the local business community, and mining companies, the old ranch cookhouse/bunkhouse was converted into a museum and historical library. It opened to the public on September 8, 2012, and thousands of guests, including many passers-by who choose to hop off Interstate 80 and tour the impeccably curated exhibits, have visited the facility. Their online reviews are enthusiastic. Since its establishment in 1869, Battle Mountain has anchored
vibrant mining and ranching economies, and the Battle Mountain Cookhouse Museum, Depot and Mining Museum reflect that heritage. Through exhibits that show how the industries of mining and ranching have been and continue to be intertwined, this museum complex tells the stories of the people who have lived with and worked in those industries. For those who want to dig deeper into the area’s mining history, the Cookhouse Library also houses numerous records for researchers.
Located at 855 Broyles Ranch Road in Battle Mountain, the museum is open five days a week and often for special events. Admission is free but donations are always appreciated. For more information about the museum and its exhibits (especially the rotating visits by local and regional artists), visit the website (cookhousemuseum.org) or call 775.635.8548. For more information about the first 100 years of Battle Mountain history, pick up the Lander County Historical Society’s publication, All Roads Lead to Battle Mountain: A Small Town in the Heart of Nevada, 1869-1969.
BY LITHIUM AMERICAS
Lithium
Americas is a North American critical minerals company focused on safely and sustainably developing and operating the company’s flagship asset, Thacker Pass. Located in Humboldt County in northern Nevada, Thacker Pass is the world’s largest known measured lithium resource (Measured and Indicated) and reserve (Proven and Probable). As major construction begins, we remain focused on strengthening our relationship with Humboldt County neighbors and celebrating the local businesses that make our success possible.
A Foundation Built on Community
The relationships we’ve forged with Humboldt County businesses are based on years of continuous engagement and demonstrate our belief that economic development works best when it lifts entire communities. By sourcing locally whenever possible and supporting existing enterprises, we’re helping ensure that the benefits of Thacker Pass extend throughout the county.
Economic Engine for Northern Nevada
In 2023, a University of Nevada, Reno report estimated construction of Thacker Pass operations are estimated to have a total annual economic impact (includes direct + indirect + induced) of over $2 billion for Hum-boldt County, in addition to potentially generating annually over $40 million in state taxes. Thacker Pass is expected to help strengthen and diversi-
fy Humboldt County’s mineral industry, improve local linkages for electricity and provide a catalyst for sustained economic growth that will benefit generations of Nevadans.
Creating FamilySupporting Jobs
Employment opportunities are ramping up as we progress construction at Thacker Pass and prepare for future operations. Construction of Phase 1 is expected to create approximately 2,000 jobs, including 1,800 skilled labor contractors, and 350 full-time positions during operations for mining and chemical processing professionals, as well as management and support staff. Through our partnership with our Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contractor, Bechtel, and the National Construction Agreement (Project Labor Agreement) with North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), numerous pathways are being paved for both experienced tradespeople and those seeking to
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Foundation of Progress: The concrete crew are pictured executing an exciting milestone: first permanent concrete placement for the sulfur storage containment facility in early May 2025.
Build America’s Energy Future
Job Opportunities at Thacker Pass
Scan the QR code to view job opportunities with Lithium Americas, Bechtel, Sawtooth Mining, Target Hospitality and all of our contractors, which are all available on our Careers page, at: lithiumamericas com/careers/
Bechtel is our engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) partner. Bechtel and North America's Building Trades Unions’ (NABTU) recruiting page lists job opportunities, apprenticeships and local union contact information
Sawtooth Mining is our mining partner performing most of the construction-related earthwork. They are recruiting heavy equipment operators.
Target Hospitality is our partner for the installation and operation of the Workforce Hub, temporary housing for our construction workforce in Winnemucca They are recruiting for various positions
For questions or additional information, contact Krissy Houston, Human Resources Manager, at: krissy.houston@lithiumamericas.com or (775) 420-4767
The Workforce Hub, a modular full-service housing facility, will eventually become home to nearly 2,000 workers contributing to our local economy.
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enter skilled trades through apprenticeship programs. Our contractors are actively connecting workers with opportunities, providing information on everything from apprenticeships to work rotation schedules and local ac-commodations.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Success
Our relationship with General Motors exemplifies the strategic partner-ships driving Thacker Pass forward. GM is our joint venture partner in Thacker Pass (holding a 38% interest), largest shareholder and long-term offtake customer. This partnership positions both companies to be leaders in creating a robust domestic supply chain for critical battery materials.
Our recently added strategic investor and partner, Orion Resource Partners, describes Thacker Pass as a worldclass project, and they are com-mitted to support Lithium Americas to develop a domestic lithium supply chain to meet the rising demand across industries.
Together, the joint venture partners declared the Final Investment Deci-sion for Phase 1, enabling us to move ahead with major construction.
Environmental Stewardship and Community Commitment
Our commitment extends beyond economic benefits to include environ-mental stewardship and community devel-
Strength from the Ground Up: Workforce Hub modular housing units are pictured taking their precise positions, securely affixed to the concrete foundations.
opment. Through careful plan-ning and stakeholder engagement, we are committed to reducing our en-vironmental impact and creating sustainable value for our stakeholders.
We recognize that success is measured not just in tons of lithium car-bonate produced, but in the positive, lasting impact we have on the com-munities where we operate. This means not only bringing jobs and eco-nomic activity to northern Nevada, but also socioeconomic stability and opportunities for local businesses to thrive alongside our operations.
Looking Ahead
As steel will begin to rise at Thacker Pass and the housing for our work-force takes shape in Winnemucca, we remain focused on the future we’re building in Humboldt County.
Through continued collaboration with local businesses, investment in the community, and commitment to being good neighbors, Lithium Americas is proud to call Humboldt County home. We’re not just producing lithi-um—we’re driving opportunities, building careers, and powering Ameri-ca’s domestic energy future right here from Nevada.
The sulfur tank foundations are starting to take shape as of summer 2025. The energy plan for Phase 1 of Thacker Pass relies on carbon-free energy through waste heat capture from the co-located sulfuric acid plant, expected to generate a significant amount of the processing plant’s required annual power.
LEFT: An aerial perspective of Thacker Pass captured in March 2025 showcases the continuing earthworks progress to support the foundations of the process plant pad.
BELOW: Ground crew workers are pictured teaming with a specialized crane oper-ator to carefully lower one of the 693 total interlocking Workforce Hub modules into place.
BY SHANNON ACOSTA
The 21st Mine Safety & Health Conference is scheduled to take place on October 27th to the 29th, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.
For twenty years, the conference has provided a platform and opportunity for hundreds of safety professionals, industry leaders, and other like-minded individuals to gather together to promote and educate others about the culture of safety.
The event promises to deliver plenty of educational and networking opportunities as well as invaluable insights into the mining industry as a whole.
Attendees will have the chance to hear from a variety of keynote speakers and participate in workshops and breakout sessions focused on Safety and Health-related topics as well as addressing the latest practices, and upcoming proposed laws or changes in mine Health & Safety that have developed since the previous conference.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the latest, cutting-edge technology during the conference through inter-
NOW FEATURING
actions with an array of vendors who come with a wide variety of mining related safety supplies or training material and bring some of the newest safety equipment and material coming out of the industry. In the evening attendees are invited to attend the vendor/exhibitor reception which is beneficial for attendees and vendors alike. Guests can spend time with the exhibitors to look at their products and hear their pitches, and vendors get to have access to 300-400 potential customers without doing any cold calling.
In addition, there will be an award’s ceremony acknowledging those who have gone above and beyond in their field as well as a tribute honoring fallen miners. But a major highlight of the conference will be the annual Golf Tournament taking place on Monday, October 27th at the Red Hawk Resort. Participants will have an opportunity to win prizes while having fun. Transportation will be provided from the Grand Sierra Resort to Red Hawk.
“We want this to be valuable and we want it to be impactful, but we also keep it lighthearted. We’d like to have a little fun
too,” said committee member and mine industry veteran, John Pereza. “Mining is a dangerous business and I found in my 40+ years in the industry that a little bit of a sense of humor takes the edge off some of that inherent danger that’s present in mining.”
The Mine Safety & Health Conference is a nonprofit organization and would not be possible without the generous support of sponsorships, such as Florida Canyon, Industrial Supply, and BSI. These funds are used for all of the “little things” that help provide a high-quality conference experience for the attendees. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.
The conference also provides an annual scholarship for those going through college that are interested in the mining industry, such as Mining Engineers, Safety Professionals, or the like.
The inception of the Mine Safety & Health Conference was brought about by a team of people from the mining industry and from MSHA who wanted a conference that would be somewhat educational and a networking opportunity for those in the industry; to foster, improve, and promote safety to ensure employees go home to their families at the end of the day.
As of the writing of this article, the conference schedule is still in the works. The conference organizers are currently looking for more presenters and speakers. If you or anyone you know are interested in promoting and educating others about the cultures of safety, visit the website below to get information on joining this conference.
The Nevada Mining Association (NVMA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Individual Safety Awards, recognizing outstanding commitment to safety in the mining industry. This year’s honorees will be celebrated at a reception during the annual NVMA Convention on September 5 in South Lake Tahoe. This annual event not only celebrates the achievements of these individuals but also reinforces the importance of safety as a core val-ue in the mining sector.
For all information pertaining to the conference visit the official website at www.msahconference.com. Here you can find the full agenda, register to attend or participate, book hotel rooms at a discount, or sign up to their newsletter to stay updated.
HDPE
Lifetime Pipe for Mining & Construction
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In the heart of mining country, Black Rock Vision Center in Winnemucca, NV is dedicated to protecting the vision of those who work in one of the region’s most demanding industries. Miners face daily hazards—from flying debris underground to harsh sun exposure on surface sites—and proper eye protection is essential.
Black Rock Vision Center offers safety eyewear specifically designed for mining environments, including durable, ANSI-rated safety glasses and prescription lenses with UV protection. These not only shield eyes from injury but also help prevent long-term sun damage—an often-overlooked risk in outdoor operations.
Many miners are surprised to learn that insurance can help cover the cost of safety eyewear, and mining companies often offer vouchers or reimbursement programs. The team at Black Rock Vision Center works closely with patients to maximize benefits and ensure they get the high-quality protection they need without breaking the bank.
Whether underground or above, protecting your eyes is part of protecting your future. Stop by Black Rock Vision Center today to explore your options, get fitted for prescription safety eyewear, and learn how your benefits or employer may help cover the cost
Nevada is considered a world leader in mining regulatory oversight and safety statistics.
The NVMA’s Individual Safety Awards acknowledge employees who have demonstrated excep-tional dedication to maintaining and improving safety standards within their organization. The call for nominations invited NVMA member companies to spotlight exemplary personnel who uphold and advance workplace safety. A record total of 259 nominations were submitted and voted on by industry peers across twelve different categories.
“Safety is ingrained into the culture of Nevada mining,” said NVMA President Amanda Hilton. “That commitment starts with the individuals who show up every day, prioritize safe practices, and lead by example. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients.”
In July, the NVMA will announce the recipients of its Safety Awards for Mine Operators and Con-tractors. Based on data provided by the U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration, these awards honor a strong, sustained commitment to workplace safety.
For more information about the NVMA, visit www.nevadamining.org.
2025 NVMA Individual Safety Award Recipients
EMS & Mine Rescue
Jason Archuleta – Nevada Gold Mines
Derek Norred – Coeur Rochester
Benjamin Rangel – Kinross Gold USA
Steven St. Germain – Nevada Gold Mines
Elizabeth Witte – i-80 Gold Corp.
General Supervisor
Jason Coyle – Coeur Rochester
Glenn Lapira – Integra Resources
Tye Lasich – Kinross Gold USA
Brian Showers – Nevada Gold Mines
Robert Ziegenbein – McEwen Mining
General Manager
Gavin Ferguson – Nevada Gold Mines
Operational Department Manager
Tim Felzien – Hecla
Safety Champion
Polly Alstatt – KGHM Robinson
Sabrena Ashby – KGHM Robinson
Grant Castor – Nevada Gold Mines
Rito Chavez – Nevada Gold Mines
Preston Crossman – Nevada Gold Mines
Travis Danner – SSR Mining
Tyler Dennis – i-80 Gold Corp.
Ivan Duran – Kinross Gold USA
Amanda Goicoechea – Kinross Gold USA
Adam Hannum – Nevada Gold Mines
Brett Harris – Integra Resources
Ricky Montoya – Nevada Gold Mines
Ty Murray – Nevada Gold Mines
Maria Painter – i-80 Gold Corp.
Vicente Ramirez – KGHM Robinson
Safety Professional
Wendy Anderson – Coeur Rochester
Jessica Dorohov – Nevada Gold Mines
Tony Moore – Timberline Drilling
Patricia Salin – i-80 Gold Corp.
Superintendent
Ben Lupercio – Nevada Gold Mines
Russell O’Dell – Kinross Gold USA
Carl Olsen – i-80 Gold Corp.
Brigham Rowe – Nevada Gold Mines
Supervisor (14 or Fewer Employees)
Shaun Austin – SSR Mining
Tom Marley – Integra Resources
Supervisor (15 or More Employees)
Daniel Dockery – Kinross Gold USA
Roger Gentry – SSR Mining
Junior Lacy – Integra Resources
Trainer
Jamie Berger – Nevada Gold Mines
Ruben Valdespino – Nevada Gold Mines
Travis Petersen – Nevada Gold Mines
Steven Paunovich – i-80 Gold Corp.
Safety Manager
Victor Ortiz – i-80 Gold Corp.
Vendor/Supplier
Ivan Molina – Industrial Supply
Operating for over 35 years, our focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation ensures a bright future for mining in Nevada.
Learn more at www.ssrmining.com
Issued by former President Donald Trump, these executive orders aim to accelerate the permitting and development of critical mineral projects across the United States, with a focus on reducing reliance on foreign sources.
The orders streamline environmental reviews and cut red tape in federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management, to shorten project approval timelines.
Critical minerals prioritized include those commonly found alongside gold and silver deposits, such as rare earth elements, copper, and lithium—materials vital to technology, defense, and clean energy industries.
The directives emphasize increased domestic mineral production to enhance economic and national security, encouraging mining companies to invest in states rich in mineral resources like Nevada.
Federal officials highlight that these orders help unlock mineral wealth more efficiently while maintaining environmental safeguards, fostering a balance between economic growth and responsible stewardship.
The expedited permitting process has already encouraged renewed exploration and development efforts by major mining operations, notably in Nevada’s prolific gold and silver mining districts.
In a paper published in Physical Review Journals, the ALICE collaboration reports measurements that quantify the transmutation of lead into gold in CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
Transforming the base metal lead into the precious metal gold was a dream of medieval alchemists. This long-standing quest, known as chrysopoeia, may have been motivated by the observation that dull grey, relatively abundant lead is of a similar density to gold, which has long been coveted for its beautiful colour and rarity. It was only much later that it became clear that lead and gold are distinct chemical elements and that chemical methods are powerless to transmute one into the other.
With the dawn of nuclear physics in the 20th century, it was discovered that heavy elements could transform into others, either naturally, by radioactive decay, or in the laboratory, under a bombardment of neutrons or protons. Though gold has been artificially produced in this way before,
AT RIGHT: Illustration of an ultra-peripheral collision where the two lead (208Pb) ion beams at the LHC pass by close to each other without colliding. In the electromagnetic dissociation process, a photon interacting with a nucleus can excite oscillations of its internal structure and result in the ejection of small numbers of neutrons (two) and protons (three), leaving the gold (203Au) nucleus behind (Image: CERN)Illustration of an ultra-peripheral collision where the two lead (208Pb) ion beams at the LHC pass by close to each other without colliding. In the electromagnetic dissociation process, a photon interacting with a nucleus can excite oscillations of its internal structure and result in the ejection of small numbers of neutrons (two) and protons (three), leaving the gold (203Au) nucleus behind (Image: CERN)
the ALICE collaboration has now measured the transmutation of lead into gold by a new mechanism involving near-miss collisions between lead nuclei at the LHC.
Extremely high-energy collisions between lead nuclei at the LHC can create quark–gluon plasma, a hot and dense state of matter that is thought to have filled the universe around a millionth of a second after the Big Bang, giving rise to the matter we now know. However, in the far more frequent interactions where the nuclei just miss each other without “touching”, the intense electromagnetic fields surrounding them can induce photon–photon and photon–nucleus interactions that open further avenues of exploration.
The electromagnetic field emanating from a lead nucleus is
particularly strong because the nucleus contains 82 protons, each carrying one elementary charge. Moreover, the very high speed at which lead nuclei travel in the LHC (corresponding to 99.999993% of the speed of light) causes the electromagnetic field lines to be squashed into a thin pancake, transverse to the direction of motion, producing a short-lived pulse of photons. Often, this triggers a process called electromagnetic dissociation, whereby a photon interacting with a nucleus can excite oscillations of its internal structure, resulting in the ejection of small numbers of neutrons and protons. To create gold (a nucleus containing 79 protons), three protons must be removed from a lead nucleus in the LHC beams.
“It is impressive to see that our detectors can handle head-on collisions producing thousands of particles, while also being sen-
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sitive to collisions where only a few particles are produced at a time, enabling the study of electromagnetic ‘nuclear transmutation’ processes,” says Marco Van Leeuwen, ALICE spokesperson.
The ALICE team used the detector’s zero degree calorimeters (ZDC) to count the number of photon–nucleus interactions that resulted in the emission of zero, one, two and three protons accompanied by at least one neutron, which are associated with the production of lead, thallium, mercury and gold, respectively. While less frequent than the creation of thallium or mercury, the results show that the LHC currently produces gold at a maximum rate of about 89 000 nuclei per second from lead–lead collisions at the ALICE collision point. Gold nuclei emerge from the collision with very high energy and hit the LHC beam pipe or collimators at various points downstream, where they immediately fragment into single protons, neutrons and other particles. The gold exists for just a tiny fraction of a second.
Illustration of an ultra-peripheral collision where the two lead (208Pb) ion beams at the LHC pass by close to each other without colliding. In the electromagnetic dissociation process, a photon interacting with a nucleus can excite oscillations of its internal structure and result in the ejection of small numbers of neutrons (two) and protons (three), leaving the gold (203Au) nucleus behind (Image: CERN)
The ALICE analysis shows that, during Run 2 of the LHC (2015–2018), about 86 billion gold nuclei were created at the four major experiments. In terms of mass, this corresponds to just 29 picograms (2.9 ×10-11 g). Since the luminosity in the LHC is continually increasing thanks to regular upgrades to the machines, Run 3 has produced almost double the amount of gold that Run 2 did, but the total still amounts to trillions of times less than would be required to make a piece of jewellery. While the dream of medieval alchemists has technically come true, their hopes of riches have once again been dashed.
“Thanks to the unique capabilities of the ALICE ZDCs, the present analysis is the first to systematically detect and analyse the signature of gold production at the LHC experimentally,” says Uliana Dmitrieva of the ALICE collaboration.
“The results also test and improve theoretical models of electromagnetic dissociation which, beyond their intrinsic physics interest, are used to understand and predict beam losses that are a major limit on the performance of the LHC and future colliders,” adds John Jowett, also of the ALICE collaboration.
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