Karen Matthias Departs Alaska Metal Mines
Thank You Karen for Your Years of Service!
For a dozen years, Karen Matthias has led Alaska Metal Mines, the association of Alaska’s large producing mines. Throughout that time, she has been an ally and an active partner with AMA in supporting all Alaska miners. As Karen departs that role so important to Alaska miners, we wanted to take a few minutes to reflect with her on our shared history and future challenges. First, Karen clarified that she’d been planning this transition since September, to devote more time to family and all good things Alaska! And that home is and remains Alaska! Who was your mentor in this industry and what did they teach you that remains true today? So many people took time to help me understand the mining industry. As an executive director, I was always able to reach out to board members and industry experts on technical issues, and I appreciate all of the people who made that effort. One person who stands out is John Shively, who has encouraged and guided me and many others over the years. John has always put people first and I’ve been inspired by his passion for improving the lives of Alaskans through responsible resource development. What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? Tell your story. The analytics and survey data from our communications efforts have shown clearly that Alaskans want to hear from miners about what you do, why you are proud of their work, and how you got into mining. The public often has a really dated perception of mining so it is great when new miners can show there are many different jobs and all types of people in mining. What would you do differently? Honestly? If I had known in high school how much I would love the outdoors and being in the mountains, I would have gone for a degree in geology! What was one experience you will never forget? I’ve been able to visit all the operating mines and many projects in Alaska. The tours were each unforgettable whether it was the opportunity to see a gold pour, spend hours underground, fly over some of the most remote and beautiful parts of Alaska, or meet people who took obvious pride in being good at their jobs and working safely.
make it harder to move projects forward or extend existing operations. Miners tend to counter emotional arguments against mining with facts and technical arguments, but we have to continue to improve how we connect, find common ground, and earn trust if we want to change public perception. Opportunities? Keep getting younger people involved and encourage innovation. Keep putting the safety of people and the environment first. What keeps you awake at night? Bad bills and ballot initiatives that could deter investment or prohibit mining before a company has a chance to go through a science-based regulatory process to determine if the mine can be developed safely. What does AMA mean to you? AMA has been a really friendly and welcoming organization with so many good people giving their time and expertise to support the industry. Deantha and I started as Executive Directors around the same time, and we’ve worked on so many issues, projects, and events together. I could tell you some tales, but we have sworn each other to secrecy!
What do you love most about this business? I have loved the variety of the work and the opportunity to meet good people. I am proud to be part of an industry that contributes to Alaska’s economy and benefits Alaskans while safely producing metals that are essential to modern life. Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? That’s a long time to make a prediction when I think of how much has changed in the last 50 years. 1975 was just the beginning of the modern metal mining era in Alaska. Technology is always adapting and making mining cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Ideally, in 50 years we’ll have more operating mines around the state and Alaskans will be supportive because they see that mining can be done right for the state and their communities. By 2075, some of our existing mines will have been closed for a while and Alaskans will have proof that the state’s reclamation and closure standards work. What do you see as our biggest challenges? And opportunities? One of the biggest challenges is public perception because it can drive legislation and regulations that
I am an equipment operator. I am the next generation. I am mining.
At 24 years old, I’m already an equipment operator for Kinross Alaska. I drive mine trucks and have trained on more advanced equipment, such as bulldozers and graders. I just started working with our dispatch team, as well. Not only has mining allowed me to earn great pay right out of school, but I don’t have any student loans or debt. I would encourage anyone entering the workforce to consider a career in mining.
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June 2025 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2025
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