Nevada State Mining Championships
Drilling contests have been held in Tonopah since 1902.
Nevada State Mining Events
We continue that tradition to this day with the Nevada State Mining Championships, held every year during Jim Butler Days. Contestants from all over Nevada and the west compete for silver hammers and shovels and BIG prize money. Some events pay to FIVE places! Winner receives $100 per inch drilled, and cash prizes are also awarded to second through fourth places.
Join us at the Elks Lodge around noon on Saturday, May 25 after the parade for Men and Women’s Mucking and Drilling, Men and Women’s Team Mucking, and Double Jack. Closed circuit TV is available inside the lodge so you can have a drink at the bar while you’re enjoying the competitions. T-shirts available for $25 each. Food provided by the Tonopah High School Girls’ Volleyball Team.
The Youth and Junior events are held Sunday, May 26. Registration opens at 9 a.m.
State Records
EVENT |
CONTESTANT |
YEAR |
RECORD |
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Men’s Single Jack |
Tom Donovan | 1991 | 15-13/16” |
|
Most Consecutive Men’s Single Jack Wins |
Fred Andreasen | 1972-1985 | |
|
Men’s Double Jack |
Scott Havens & Steve MacDonald | 1998 | 25-1/6” |
|
Men’s Mucking |
Brock Boscovich | 1998 | 1:33.85 |
|
Men’s Team Mucking |
Matt Decker & Steve MacDonald | 2010 | 0:48.31 |
|
Women’s Single Jack |
Emma Baker | 2018 | 6-29/32” |
|
Women’s Mucking (1/2 Ton) |
Emma Baker | 2021 | 1:26.22 |
|
Women’s Mucking |
Candy Metscher | 1980 | 4:39.00 |
|
Women’s Team Mucking (1/2) |
Emma Baker & Claire Roberts | 2021 | 0:34.72 |
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* First and only year for one ton for |
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Prize Money
Men’s Mucking |
Men’s Team Mucking |
| 1. $400 | 1. $200 ea. |
| 2. $200 | 2. $100 ea. |
| 3. $100 | 3. $50 ea. |
| Total $700 | Total $700 |
Women’s Mucking |
Women’s Team Mucking |
| 1. $200 | 1. $100 ea. |
| 2. $100 | 2. $50 ea. |
| 3. $ 50 | 3. $35 ea. |
| Total $350 | Total $370 |
Men’s Double Jack |
|
| 1. $200 ea. | |
| 2. $100 ea. | |
| 3. $50 ea. | |
| Total $700 |