At Thacker Pass, every story matters. Our Faces of Thacker Pass features aim to share the behind-the-scenes stories of the people, their diverse roles, and the vital parts they play in advancing our project.
Liz B., Allied Universal Security Services guard, at the Thacker Pass main gate
At Thacker Pass, every story matters. Our Faces of Thacker Pass features aim to share the behind-the-scenes stories of the people, their diverse roles, and the vital parts they play in advancing our project.
Hiring Local: Liz B. Helps Keep Thacker Pass Secure
Since the start of 2025, activity at Thacker Pass has ramped up significantly. New employees are coming in regularly and equipment is arriving daily. The first face many people see at the Thacker Pass entrance gate is the smiling face of Liz B., a security guard with Allied Universal Security Services, and Winnemucca resident. Liz just celebrated her two-year anniversary at Thacker Pass.
We caught up with her recently on a break from her duties at the front gate.
Where are you from, Liz?
I was born in Colima, Mexico but I’ve lived in Winnemucca since I was three. I went through elementary and middle school here, graduated high school here, and attended Great Basin College for social studies and courses toward becoming a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).
What attracted you to Thacker Pass?
I was applying for something else and they asked, “Do you want to give security a shot?” And I said, “Why not?” So here we are, two years later. It's a good experience, you get to meet a lot of people, a lot of new faces and you interact with a lot of different characters! It's fun.
What do the security guards do on site?
We have 14 access points out here. We drive around to each one, look at the gates and make sure they're locked. We observe to see if anyone's around, and I like to take pictures.
Thacker Pass is an active construction zone, so it’s essential for safety that we account for everyone who comes in and out. We keep track of who has access and who does not. Visitors need to go through a safety briefing, get a visitor's pass and be escorted around the facility. I make sure the face matches the badge so everyone is accounted for properly.
Liz B., a security guard with Allied Universal Security Services checks in a delivery truck arriving at Thacker Pass in May 2025
What's the strangest thing you've come across while on duty?
Nothing really strange, but we had a rattlesnake under the guard shack last year! I don't want to see it again.
At Thacker Pass, we're committed to responsible mining practices that respect the natural habitat we share with local wildlife. Our comprehensive environmental monitoring programs and wildlife protection protocols ensure our operations maintain the delicate balance of this high desert ecosystem. We work closely with wildlife biologists and follow strict guidelines to minimize our footprint while supporting Nevada's diverse wildlife populations that have called this land home for generations. For additional information, see p. 21 of our ESG-S Report.
Why is it important for a project like ours to hire locally?
If you can keep the community happy it helps a lot. Construction of Thacker Pass is bringing a lot of jobs, and that's the main thing. This opens up a lot of opportunities -- why not take them? Everyone is curious about how it's going and what's going to happen next.
How would you compare the amount of activity on site now versus two years ago?
There is no comparison. Now there is way, way more activity. Now we're busy all the time.
Bechtel Security Manager Liz W., a fellow Winnemucca resident and former city police officer, says of Liz B.:
“Liz B. has been an asset for sure! She has shown loyalty to the project and a tenacity for all the challenges that come with working on a construction site in a remote area. I applaud her for enduring things like snakes and full summertime Porta-Potties, countless gate checks and patrols, all while keeping a smile on her face and a good attitude.”