OZ MAGAZINE 2022 Top 25 Influencers issue 2.2 | Page 111

INYOAG OZ FUNDING CAPTURES AMERICA ’ S TOP PROJECT AWARD IN DENVER
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HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY ?
We are a base metal mine on private property , with a rich history dating back to 1873 . We border Death Valley and the mine has been the largest silver mine in California , as well as an important strategic metal mine during World War I and II .
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND ?
I have been in mining my entire career , first working at Darwin in 1976 .
HOW MUCH HAVE YOU RAISED TO DATE IN YOUR OZ FUND ?
To date , we have personally contributed $ 25 million to the project and raised another $ 3.6 million through the OZ Program . We are receiving positive interest .
HOW DID INYOAG OZ FUNDING GET INVOLVED IN THE OZ INDUSTRY ?
Inyoag OZ Funding was a cooperation result of the County of Inyo , who lobbied for our project to be included in the original Opportunity Zone creation .
HOW DID THE PANDEMIC IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS STRATEGY ?
Mining was deemed essential , so we have worked through the pandemic safely and with a focus on employees ’ health and well-being .
WHAT ARE SOME CURRENT TRENDS YOU ARE SEEING IN THE OZ MARKET ?
The OZ Program ’ s focus is on real estate and I believe it needs to move more toward long-term job creation .
WHAT DO YOU THINK OPPORTUNITY ZONES CAN ACCOMPLISH FOR DISTRESSED AREAS ?
In distressed areas , many of which have dormant factories , mines and production facilities that generate high yield , Opportunity Zones allow for high wages and benefits for the work force , improving the surrounding communities .
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS GOALS THIS YEAR ?
We are hoping to begin production before the end of the year . Hopefully , the program will be extended and the focus on critical minerals will be reviewed with a commission to add regions of geological importance to the existing areas covered by the OZ Program .
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ?
We hope to continue the development of job training , education assistance , and work to meet the needs of the communities and our great country . We plan to utilize solar and renewable energy and be carbon-neutral by the end of construction .
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