WHEREAS, mining is an integral part of Nevada’s History and future; according to the U. S. Department of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 12,200 people employed by the Nevada Mining industry; and

WHEREAS, Nevada ranks third in the world in gold production, after Australia and South Africa; and

WHEREAS, our clothing, computers, cars and roads begin with mining and everything harvested, manufactured or transported requires minerals that come from the earth; and

WHEREAS, the Nevada mining industry is actively engaged in many educational programs such as scholarships, educational mineral workshops for teachers, classroom presentations, career fairs and many other earth science programs; and

WHEREAS, the Nevada Mining Association is working to maintain a business and operating environment that will encourage exploration for the development and production of minerals in Nevada in a safe and environmentally conscious method;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim June 1-7, 2008, as