A new report from the Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) Gold Mine highlights how the operation drives economic activity in Teller County and across the state.
The report found that the CC&V mine generated more than $830 million in economic activity across Colorado in 2025, including $635 million in Teller County alone. That accounts for more than half of the county’s gross domestic product for the year, as reported by The Colorado Sun.
The mine employs 438 people, more than half of whom live in Teller County. They make an average of $94,000 a year, which exceeds the average Teller County wage by 75%. CC&V supports an additional more than 500 jobs in the area, according to the report.
“Our employees, they’re very skilled, hardworking and proud of what they do,” said Lowe Billingsley, general manager at CC&V, according to The Sun. “They’re also parents, neighbors, coaches, volunteers and customers of local businesses. Their work is what makes these economic contributions possible and they deserve much of the credit reflected in this report.”
Currently the only gold mine operating in Colorado, CC&V is marking its 50th anniversary this year.
The mine produced about 153,000 ounces of gold, nearly 5 tons, at a value of $3,634 per ounce, in 2025. That’s a total of more than $556 million worth of gold.
The mine produced 27,725 ounces in the second quarter of 2026, a sharp drop from the 44,062 it produced in the same quarter last year, according to SSR’s quarterly report. By the end of June, the mine had produced 66,023 ounces this year.
The economic impact report comes at a critical time for CC&V as it awaits a final decision on Amendment 14, which would expand the capacity allowed by the CC&V Cresson Permit. In its report, SSR Mining estimates that, if Amendment 14 is approved, the mine will generate an additional $6.6 billion in economic impact and $367.8 million in state and local tax revenue through 2050.
READ MORE: Plan your visit to these 7 charming mountain towns in Colorado
