LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Henderson-based company has submitted a complete mine plan to the Bureau of Land Management for land in Jean, Nevada, where it hopes to extract silica — a mineral recently added to the United States critical minerals list.
Energy Point Minerals holds rights through the BLM to the Jean site. The company’s goal is to mine silica and then purify it further to create a higher-quality product for use in emerging technologies.
Why silica matters
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, high-purity silica is used in the semiconductor industry and is essential for computer microchips, solar energy, and artificial intelligence.
Companies are now working to produce ultra-high purity silica — material that could be used for AI microchips and fiber optics. Energy Point Minerals said its preliminary results place the material at a purity level described as “six nines,” a standard the company said is needed for future technology applications.
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Critical minerals list driving exploration
The Nevada Division of Minerals said it is common to see increased interest in a mineral after it is added to the critical minerals list.
The division pointed to lithium as an example — after it was added to the list and demand for batteries surged, exploration expanded across Nevada. Officials said silica could follow a similar path.
There are already silica mines operating in Nevada, responsible for materials used in everyday items.
Company’s Nevada plans
Energy Point Minerals said its plan includes vertical integration and a circular economy for Nevada and the United States. The company said it has refined product in Winnemucca, Nevada, and plans to continue refining in-state — with the goal of producing ultra-high purity silica in the future.
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