Geologist Dean Heitt will talk about mining book at libraries

Author, geologist and Tekoa native Dean Heitt, will return to the region to share his new book, "Before the Gold: Early Mining History of the Carlin Trend 1874-1961." Free community presentations will be Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Tekoa Library and Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. in the Colfax Library.

Heitt's book details the long and storied past of the Carlin Trend, including the stories of the people who worked there and their connection to the murder of a local constable.

Overlooked by the '49ers in their rush for California gold, the Carlin deposit was not significantly mined until 1965. Today, the Carlin Trend is one of the largest mining districts in the world, producing over 90 M ounces of gold, "Spirit Ore" and the largest turquoise nuggets found in Nevada.

Heitt graduated from Tekoa High School and studied geology at Eastern Washington University where he earned bachelor and master's degrees. He began working for the Newmont Mining Corporation on the Carlin Trend in 1988. He was as an open pit mine geologist and an underground geologist before moving into project development. Heitt concluded his career with Newmont this year as manager for Near Mine Explorationand Project Development in Nevada.

In retirement, he is enjoying wood turning, wood working, photography and researching future projects.

Heitt's book will be available for purchase with cash. You can learn more at southernnevadaconservancy.org.