The Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada called on Nevada gold mines Tuesday to pay more taxes in the state.
"Yes, mining can afford to pay a little more," said PLAN Director Bob Fulkerson, arguing the companies pay only about $30 million a year in taxes.
He said the industry pays a half percent of its gross in taxes while Nevada spends less on education, the disabled and elderly than most states.
He pointed out that Newmont Mining reported record annual revenues of $6.2 billion in 2008, a 50-percent increase in income.
Newmont lobbyists Jim Wadhams and Joe Guild, however, said mining has agreed to pay more.
"We will pay a profits tax. We will pay an employment tax," Wadhams said.
But he said mining doesn't want to get hit with an industry-specific tax.
Tim Crowley, representing the Nevada Mining Association, said mines will support a broad-based tax that includes not only their industry but other businesses in Nevada.