THE ALASKA MINER JOURNAL: The publication is member-only news mailed to AMA members, eight times a year, in months when the Magazine is not published. The Alaska Miner Journal is dedicated to those who work in and support the mining industry in Alaska, its commitment to the people, and the resources of our state. Our goal is to disseminate information on responsible mineral development, educating the public about the value of mining, providing information for our membership and the general public, providing policymakers the information they need to understand the mining industry and monitor political and regulatory processes affecting mining in Alaska.
Learn about the Greens Creek Difference at: heclagreenscreek.com/the-difference
June 2022 Volume 50, Number 6
Journal of the Alaska Miners Association
Mining Day ’22 Celebration: Together Again in Fairbanks!
IMPROVE TOTAL FUEL ECONOMY BY 6 % * OUR IRON WILL WAS TO
SO YOUR IRON WILL BE EVEN MORE EFFICIENT.
DONE AND DONE. INTRODUCING THE EX1200-7. See all the improvements at HitachiConstruction.com/EX1200-7.
Jeb Baughman Sales Representative Fairbanks Branch
Kirk Currey Sales Representative Anchorage Branch
ANCHORAGE BRANCH 5400 Homer Drive Anchorage, AK 99518
FAIRBANKS BRANCH 2615 20th Ave Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 931-8808 (907) 931-8838 F
JUNEAU BRANCH 5302 Commercial Blvd
KETCHIKAN BRANCH 7332 N. Tongass Hwy. Ketchikan, AK 99901 (907) 247-2228 (907) 247-2229 F
Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 802-4242 (907) 802-4340 F
(907) 563-3822 (907) 563-1381 F
HitachiConstruction.com
*Comparison of Cummins engine configuration against EX1200-6.
2
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Miners, Members, Supporters and Friends: This is one of the most fun Alaska Miner Journals we have put together in a while. Just look at the photos of people, gathered together, in the same room, doing a celebration! I lost track of how many times I said and heard, “It is so great to be doing this again” on Alaska Mining Day. The more than 200 attendees of our educational presentations, luncheon where we were all guests of the Fairbanks Chamber, and the party, had a fantastic time learning current issues and updates, celebrating achievements and catching up with old friends who are family. We initially set out to hold an event similar to that done in Anchorage in 2019, a party with a few short remarks and more focused on networking. However, following a two-year absence of events and having a lot of good stories to tell, the staff, board and planning committee quickly realized Alaska Mining Day 2022 needed to be bigger. Who you won’t see much of in the photos throughout this issue are Dave “Zoom” Szumigala, Vanessa Larimer, Dave Larimer, Lisa Herbert, Jamie Marunde, Jen Wieland, Wendie MacNaughton, Rick Solie, Ken Hall, Dave Hoeffel, Brenna Schaake, Anna Atchison, Bartly Kleven, Jennifer Luiten and Darlene Strickland. The staff and Planning Committee of Alaska Mining Day 2022 in Fairbanks worked hard behind the scenes not just that day, but for weeks beforehand,
things run smoothly. I can honestly say this is one of the best groups I’ve ever worked with. I’ll never forget Zoom sending 3 a.m. emails, Dave and Vanessa wheeling carts and carts full of supplies, Lisa crawling underneath a table to get the audio visuals to work. There is no task that you could throw at this committee that it wouldn’t conquer. So, while they are not in photos and you may not have even had a chance to say hi to them that day, I really hope you will reach out to them and thank them for their efforts. Alaska Mining Day in 2022 was a great success and the kind of kick-start we needed to begin this summer and keep up the strong advocacy to protect and grow our industry. We showcased our industry’s tremendous benefits to Alaskans and our communities, boasted about our exemplary safety and environmental record, and shared the educational and workforce development opportunities that lie ahead. These bright lights set the stage as to why we need more mining to supply the world with the minerals we will increasingly need more of, and all the great reasons that mining should be done right here in Alaska. Thank you to ALL of you who planned, attended, sponsored, spoke and participated in Alaska Mining Day!
bringing us the perfect event. I was frequently and repeatedly amazed by what this group came up with. From brainstorming the perfect event, location and topics of interest that comes from a love of their community of Fairbanks, to the menial and labor- intensive tasks leading up to event deployment, to the day of just making
Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director
Executive Board Bartly Kleven, President Lorali Simon, First Vice President Blake Bogart, Second Vice President Kim Aasand, Treasurer
Branch Chairmen Ted Hawley, Anchorage
The Alaska Miner is the official journal of the Alaska Miners Association, published eight times a year exclusively to our members.
Rich Sivils, Denali Ken Hall, Fairbanks Liz Cornejo, Haines Jim Clark, Juneau Houston Morris, Kenai Ken Hughes, Nome Robert Fithian, Ketchikan/Prince of Wales
It is published in partnership with the Alaska Miners Association by Fireweed Strategies LLC, 4849 Potter Crest Circle, Anchorage, AK 99516.
We actively seek contributions from our members and the mining industry. Please email story ideas and photos to Lee Leschper. Advertising Rates and New Tips For advertising information, or to submit news, story ideas and photos, call or email Lee Leschper at 907-957-6025 or Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com Alaska Miners Association Staff Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director Darlene Strickland, Bookkeeper/Membership
Committee Chairmen Kevin Adler, Convention
Follow us anytime: Online at AlaskaMiners.org Like us on Facebook at Alaska Miners Association Follow us on Twitter @alaskaminers
Howard Grey and JP Tangen, Federal Oversight Mike Satre and Lorali Simon, State Oversight
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
3
Alaska Mining Day 2022 Celebration in Fairbanks
AMA would like to thank every one of the participants who attended the 10th annual Alaska Mining Day celebration May 10 in Fairbanks! The in-person event included speakers detailing the numerous impacts of Alaska mining at both the state and federal levels, and even on a global scale. AMA is grateful for your support of events like Mining Day that help shine a spotlight on just how vital mining is here and abroad. We’re looking forward to more in-person gatherings this year!
4
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
5
Alaska Mining Day 2022 Celebration in Fairbanks
6
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
When we mine it, we melt it at GRC! Call Alaska's 1st and Best Gold Refiner in Fairbanks and Nome
The Miners Re ner!
GENERAL REFINING CORPORATION 800-281-4133 generalrefining.com
GRC FAIRBANKS Dick Hanscom 551-B Second Ave Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 452-6461
GRC NOME Ken Hughes 112 Front Street, Suite 109 Nome, AK 99762 (907) 304-2175
Developing Alaska's Next Gold Mine(s)
In Partnership with
The Tetlin Alaska Native Tribe & Kinross as Operator
Contact us info@contangoore.com www.contangoore.com
NYSE-A: CTGO FAIRBANKS, AK
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
7
In Memoriam: Members We’ve Lost Since 2020
2020 Roger Jenkins 2021 Paul Richards Deryl Box Jenny Hawley Russell Babcock Gail Phillips Cynthia Toohey Deborah Kendrick Don Mullikin Sherry Shimek Gil Mull Gary Peters Sigvald Strandberg 2022 Paul Glavinovich Bill Ellis
At Mining Day on May 10 in
Fairbanks, there was a table set with a single chair and mining gear, in honor of the miners and AMA members who have passed away in recent years. It is a tradition we plan to continue in the future, in respect and
appreciation for them and their contribution of Alaska mining. A partial list of members we have lost in the past three years includes:
Pete Haggland Congressman Don Young
America’s Supply Chain for the Electrification of Everything
EVs and UAVs... Laptops and LEDs... Smartphones, solar cells and satellites... A revolution in materials science is changing our world. Graphite is at the center of that revolution. Graphite One: America’s Complete Advanced Graphite Supply Chain Solution Graphite One
Tech Materials for Global Ingenuity www.GraphiteOneInc.com
8 June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
PROUDLY PROVIDING ALASKA with underground, surface and helicopter supported core drilling for mineral exploration and geotechnical work.
800-322-3201 • office@ruendrilling.com ruendrilling.com
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
9
Dunleavy Sees Bright Alaska Mining Future
report, $985 million in wages were paid to some 10,800 people either working directly on Alaska mining projects or in service, supply, and other jobs induced by the sector. The average wage for those working directly for Alaska’s mining operations was roughly $130,000, providing hefty paychecks to workers that live in 95 communities across the state. In addition, mining and mineral exploration projects spent $640 million for goods and services provided by more than 400 Alaska businesses; paid $161 million in royalty payments to Alaska Native corporations; paid $83 million in state mining licenses, taxes, rents, royalties, and other fees; paid $44 million in local taxes and payments; gave $3.3 million in donations to around 250 Alaska non-profits; and invested $1.1 million to support education in the state. “These numbers are impressive, but even more impressive is our potential,” said Gov. Dunleavy. “We have so much to offer — we have the richest graphite project in the country, Graphite One on the Seward Peninsula; we a have a rich copper-cobalt prospect at Bornite in the Ambler Mining District; at Bokan Mountain, we know we have many of the rare earth elements required for our high-tech society; Donlin will be one of
By Shane Lasley, North of 60 Mining News “We truly have a bright future for mining in the state if we are allowed to pursue it.” That was the message Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy delivered to the more than 250 people that gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Alaska Mining Day. While commemorating the intrepid pioneers that first ventured North in pursuit of Alaska’s rich mineral potential and celebrating the mining’s current contributions to the state’s economy, Dunleavy said the state’s mining sector’s future is being held back by a federal government that ironically is in need of Alaska’s abundant natural resources. A preliminary look at a report being prepared by the McKinley Research Group shows that Alaska’s mining industry injected more than $2 billion into the state economy during 2021. Commissioned by the Alaska Miners Association and Council of Alaska Producers, “The economic benefits of Alaska’s mining industry” report found that nearly half of the mining money injected into the state’s economy goes directly into the pockets of Alaskans. According to the
Your Southeast Alaska Mine Supply Headquarters
Photo: Sandvik
Photo: Sandvik
www.tylerrental.com (907) 780-2210 Let’s Make it Happen!
Recreated PMS
Authorized Dealer
10
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
If White House Allows State to Produce Minerals the U.S. Needs
The 2022 report by the McKinley Research Group shows that Alaska’s mining industry injected more than $2 billion into the state economy during 2021. n $985 million in wages were paid to 10,800 people n Average wage $130,000 to workers that live in 95 Alaska n $640 million spent for goods and services provided by more than 400 Alaska businesses n $161 million in royalty payments to Alaska Native corporations n $83 million in state mining licenses, taxes, rents, royalties, and other fees n $44 million in local taxes and payments n $3.3 million in donations to 250 Alaska nonprofits n $1.1 million to support education in the state
the biggest producers of gold in the world once it starts to operate,” he continued. The cobalt, copper, graphite, and rare earths touted by the governor are critical to the electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure required for the low-carbon energy future envisioned by the Biden administration. The World Bank estimates that roughly 550 million tons of copper will be needed for low-carbon technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles over the next 25 years, which is roughly equivalent to the total copper mined globally since the dawn of the Bronze Age some 5,000 years ago. In addition, roughly 1.6 billion lb of cobalt and 8.6 billion lb of graphite, which is roughly four times the total amount mined globally last year, along with 360 million lb of rare earths, will be needed each year to hit the EV sales benchmarks set by global governments and automakers. Despite this critical need, there was no graphite or cobalt mined in the U.S. last year and the mixed rare earth products produced in California had to be shipped to China where they were separated into the individual
continued on Page 12
GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. BUILT RESPONSIBLY.
NOVAGOLD.COM/SUSTAINABILITY
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
11
Alaska Minerals Critical for Renewable Infrastructure
continued from Page 11
elements needed for EVs, wind turbines and other high- tech applications. Dunleavy said graphite, cobalt, rare earths and other minerals needed for the White House energy policies could be produced in Alaska without the environmental and human rights concerns that are imported with these materials sourced from places like China and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “If you want to protect the environment, you do it here in America, and if you really want to protect the environment, you do it here in Alaska,” he said. “Alaska would be better off for it, the world would be better off for it, and we will improve our national security.” Earlier this year, federal agencies filed a motion to rescind the permits for the Ambler Access Project and suspended the right-of-way across 25 miles of federal land needed for this proposed 211-mile road to the Ambler Mining District, a region of Northwest Alaska enriched with copper, cobalt, zinc, and other minerals critical to the Biden administration’s energy and infrastructure initiatives. “Rather than encourage and support development in places like the Ambler District, the Biden administration is trying to stop it,” Dunleavy said. SAMPLE ARCHIVE SYSTEM, INC. A Better Way to Handle and Store Your Samples • A proven concept in handling core • Provides a more compact, cost effective, weatherproof method of storing • Constructed of rugged, durable, UV-resistant black high
White House efforts to stop natural resource development in Alaska prompted the governor to establish the Statehood Defense initiative, which was funded by state legislators last year. Alaska’s mines and mineral exploration projects employed residents from 95 communities across the state. “We shouldn’t have to spend millions of our own dollars fighting our own federal government,” Dunleavy said, likening the efforts to stop Alaska resource development to sanctions on the state. “I prefer to have a federal ally instead of an adversary, but this is where we are at,” he added. Toward the goal of building a reluctant alliance, the governor’s office hopes the White House gets the message that President Biden’s renewable energy and EV ambitions need the cobalt, copper, graphite, rare earths, and other minerals Alaska’s mining sector has to offer. “We are going to do everything we can to support you because your industry produces jobs, opportunity, creates wealth and revenue for the state of Alaska,” he told the crowd gathered in Fairbanks to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Alaska Mining Day.
Our flexibility and dedication have enabled us to become a top provider for the heavy civil construction and resource development industries. MOVING THE EARTH
density polyethylene (HDPE) • Constructed for easy shipping
• Mine Development and Infrastructure • Earth Moving • Liner Installation and Welding • Roads, Dams and Bridge Construction
• Shotcrete and Slurry • Structural Steel • Concrete Structures and Foundations • HDPE Piping
John C. Odden 907.434.0605 oddenco@gmail.com Lonnie A. Kuhl 907.322.8728 lakuhl@yahoo.com www.SampleArchiveSystem.com
ak-gravel.com • (907) 746-4505
12
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Usibelli Coal Mine Announces Passing of Chairman of the Board Joe Usibelli
introduced new mining techniques, and implemented a successful land reclamation program. In 1987, after announcing that his son, Joe Usibelli Jr., would assume the position of president, Mr. Usibelli went on to serve as chairman of the board of directors until his passing. Mr. Usibelli is survived by his wife, Peggy Shumaker; his sister Rosalie Whyel; six children (Joe Usibelli Jr., Cathy Usibelli, Mitch Usibelli, Anna Tavener, Rob Usibelli, and Sean Usibelli); 10 grandchildren, three nieces, and a nephew; and three great-nieces and nephews. Details regarding the funeral and memorial arrangements will be forthcoming. “My dad was a visionary and a pioneer in Alaska’s mining industry. He was known for his ingenuity, generosity, and his deep love for his family, employees, and community. Together, we mourn his loss.” — Joe Usibelli Jr., President of Usibelli Coal Mine
HEALY — Usibelli Coal Mine sadly announces the passing of Joseph E. Usibelli, chairman of the company’s board of directors. Mr. Usibelli passed away after a long-term illness on May 12, 2022, in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife Peggy Shumaker by his side. Mr. Usibelli was 83. “My dad was a visionary and a pioneer in Alaska’s mining industry,” said Joe Usibelli Jr., president of Usibelli Coal Mine.
He was known for his ingenuity, generosity, and his deep love for his family, employees, and community. Together, we mourn his loss.” Joe Usibelli was born on December 28, 1938, in Suntrana, Alaska to Emil and Rose Usibelli. He became president of Usibelli Coal Mine at the
age of 25 after his father, Emil Usibelli, passed away unexpectedly in 1964. Joe would serve as the mine’s president until 1987. During his tenure, Mr. Usibelli initiated the modernization of the mine’s equipment,
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
13
The Durability Project
Thank you to these companies, organizations and individuals who have pledged their support to AMA’s Durability Project! Your Contributions are invaluable in helping to ensure the future success of AMA’s mission and outreach.
HARD HAT HEROES
CORE SUPPORTERS
Contango Ore, Inc.
Coeur Alaska-Kensington Mine
Constantine Mining, LLC
Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company
Donlin Gold LLC
Soloy Helicopters
Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining
Usibelli Coal Mine
HighGold Mining Inc.
Kinross Alaska
NANA
Northern Star (Pogo) LLC
Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp
Pebble Limited Partnership
Redpath USA Corporation
Ruen Drilling, Inc.
Taiga Mining Company
Teck Alaska Red Dog Operations
Join this list - Sponsor today at www.alaskaminers.org/durability-sponsors
BLAST BUDDIES
Golder Associates Inc.
Petro Marine Services
ACZ Laboratories
Graphite One (Alaska) Inc.
Pro-Seal Service Group
Alaska Aggregate Products , LLC
H2T Mine Engineering Services LLP
Sandvik Mining and Rock
Alaska Land Status
Hawley Resource Group
Technology Sealaska Corporation
Alaska Minerals Inc.
HDR
SLR International Corporation
Aurora Resource Exploration LLC
Heliostar Metals Ltd
SRK Consulting
Austin Powder Company
Hyak Mining Company
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Automatic Welding & Supply Corp.
Hy-Tech Drilling
Stevens Exploration Management Corp Stoel Rives LLP
Avalon Development Corp
International Directional Services
BGC Engineering Inc.
Jade North LLC
Boart Longyear Company
Surveyors Exchange Co
Jeffress & Associates
Boreal Environmental Services
The Law Office of James F. Clark
J P Tangen Attorney at Law (PC.)
Borell Consulting Services LLC
TOTE Maritime Alaska Inc
Kuna Engineering
ConocoPhillips
Trilogy Metals Inc.
Lawrence V. Albert Attorney at Law
Tundra Consulting, LLC
Lynden
ConstructionMachineryIndustrial, LLC Contech Engineered Solutions
Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
Matson
US Ecology Alaska, LLC
McKinley Research Group, LLC
Core Geoscience LLC
Weir Minerals North America
Millrock Resources Inc.
Denali Industrial Supply, Inc
Western Alaska Copper & Gold
Mining and Petroleum Training Service Minto Development Corporation
DGI Geoscience US Inc.
Wood & Wood Technical
Doyon, Limited
Zonge International Inc.
Elemetal Direct
Motion & Flow Control Products
Individuals:
Energy Laboratories Inc.
Northrim Bank
Paul Glavinovich
Fairweather, LLC
Northspan Drilling Ltd.
David Heatwole
Fireweed Strategies,LLC
Nova Minerals Limited
Ken Hall
Freegold Ventures Limited
Orica USA Inc.
Larry Peterson
Frontier Supply
John Shively
Owl Ridge Natural Resource Consultants
General Refining and Smelting Corporation
Richard Lessard
Paul & Company
GeoMetallica
Join this list - Sponsor today at www.alaskaminers.org/durability-sponsors
Perkins Coie LLP
Pebble Partnership Comments About EPA Preemptive Veto
Pebble Partnership CEO John Shively released this statement about the Environmental Protection Agency plan to advance its preemptive veto of the Pebble Project: “This is clearly a giant step backward for the Biden Administration’s climate change goals. “I find it ironic that the President is using the Defense Production Act to get more renewable energy minerals such as copper into production, while others in the Administration seek political ways to stop domestic mining projects such as ours. “As we are still actively working through the established permitting process via our appeal of the Army Corps of Engineers permit denial, we oppose any action that is outside of that process. This preemptive effort is clearly a political maneuver to attempt to block our ability to work through that established process. Further, the Army Corps of Engineers published an Environmental Impact Statement for Pebble in 2020 with input from many
agencies including the EPA that states that the project can be done without harm to the region’s fisheries. “The EIS further notes the tremendous economic opportunity the project represents for the communities around Iliamna Lake where year-round jobs are scarce, and the cost of living is very high. We still need an opportunity to review the specific details that will be in the preemptive veto action. It is also worth noting that there are several additional internal steps that the EPA must follow before anything is final including a public comment period and a decision by the Assistant Administrator. “The Pebble Project remains an important domestic source for the minerals necessary for the Biden Administration to reach its green energy goals. If it blocks Pebble, it will have to seek minerals to meet its goals from foreign sources which simply do not have the same environmental standards as we do.”
BUILDING ALASKA ONE OUNCE AT A TIME Our firm understanding of Alaska’s unique challenges and commitment to HSSE and planning have translated into
Sustainable Designs Innovative Thinking Responsible Mining
satisfied mining clients across the state. We get dirty so you get the pay dirt.
wsp.com
Arctic Trace ® Submersible Heat Trace Freeze Protection System "Inside the Pipe or Vessel" www.arctictrace.com (907) 522-3004 A pplications: Monitoring Wells Commercial Water Line Deep Well Tracing Gutter & Drain Waste & Vent Septic Tank & Sewer Outfall
Commitment to Safety & Quality | Anchorage · Kenai · Deadhorse www.conamco.com | 907-278-6600
Missed an issue of The Miner Journal? All editions of The Alaska Miner Journal are online at: alaskaminers.org/ monthly-journal. Help us spread good news about mining in Alaska!
16
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Arctic engineering and environmental services.
• Geotechnical Site Investigation • Offshore Drilling Specialists • Gravel, Placer Exploration • Large Diameter Bulk Sampling • Grouting, Anchoring & Piling • Wireline Coring NQ3 to PQ3 • Wireline CPT & Vane Testing • In-Situ Testing & Instruments • Heli-portable Drilling Systems • Sonic Capability • 3” to 24” Water Wells • Ground Improvement • Wide Range of Equipment • Highly Experienced Staff Anchorage, Alaska Ph: (907) 522-8263 Fx: (907) 522-8262 HGrey@Foundex.com Abbotsford BC Canada Ph: (604) 594-8333 www.Foundex.com
We help mines thrive.
Victor Ross (907) 352-7809
victor.ross@stantec.com Steve Reidsma, PWS (907) 450-1425 steve.reidsma@stantec.com
TEMSCO
JCM INDUSTRIES High Density Polyethylene Pipe offers countless advantages for Mining and Industrial Applications. Keep Those Advantages Working with JCM Industries Fittings and Fabrications for HDPE Pipe
HELICOPTERS, INC.
TIMBER EXPLORATION MINING SURVEY CARGO OPERATIONS
Serving all of Alaska since 1958
REPAIR
CONNECTION
TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc. PO Box 5057, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901 Phone 907-225-5141 Fax 907-225-2340 www.temscoair.com
BRANCHING JCM INDUSTRIES, INC. - NASH, TEXAS, USA 75569-1220 Call Toll Free 1-800-527-8482 or 903-832-2581 www.jcmindustries.com RESTRAINT
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
17
Governor Sees Firsthand Impact of Mining and Petroleum Training Service
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Jim Smith and William Bieber talk during the governor’s visit to the Mining and Petroleum Training Service underground facility. The governor also was on hand to attend a graduation ceremony for students in the program.
Alaska’s #1 Local Refiner
NOME 303 Front St. 907-764-4367 FAIRBANKS 915 30th Ave. Unit 111 907-479-4653 EAGLE RIVER 11000 Old Glenn Hwy. Unit 103 907-694-7100 gbarefining.com
• Mineral Exploration • Precision Lift & Placement • Fire Suppression • Environmental Resource • Oil & Gas • Arctic Operations
PROVEN IN ALASKA FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT ON EARTH. ANCHORAGE, AK 907-257-1550 PATHFINDERAVIATION.COM
Changing the way business is done in Alaska Highest payouts with the fastest turn around times. Come see the difference!
18
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
MinerJournal.indd 1
9/29/21 2:44 PM
ALASKA MINERALS INC. 8121 SCHOON STREET ANCHORAGE, AK 99518
The Mining Newspaper for Alaska and Canada’s North
Office: 907.522.3366 Mobile: 907.223.9452 Mike@AlaskaMineralsInc.com CAMP SERVICES • Full service turnkey camp rentals • Heavy duty Weatherport tents •
North of 60 Mining News digs deep to deliver the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on mining and mineral exploration across Alaska and Canada’s North.
PRODUCTS SALES •
Fully equipped kitchen & dining ◦ Homestyle cooking & catering Wash tents with showers & laundry Sleeper tents with beds & heaters Personnel Support ◦ Camp laborers ◦ Payroll services ◦ Workers Comp Insurance ◦ Liability Insurance iDirect Satellite Internet & Phone ATV, UTV & Snowmobile Rentals
Baroid Drilling Products Extreme Products - Drilling Additives Heavy Duty Waxed Core Boxes Wooden Core Boxes Johnson PVC Pipe & Screen Monoflex PVC & U-Packs Manhole Covers & Protective Cases Target Silica Sand
• • •
•
•
• • • • •
• Weekly online newsletters • Monthly print editions • Mining Explorers • Critical Minerals Alaska • Only $50 per year To subscribe to this lode of information, visit us at www.miningnewsnorth.com or call 907-726-1095
• •
Let us help plan and supply your next exploration project from start to finish! We have nearly 40 years working in Alaska and over 50 years in the mining industry.
Photo by Judy Patrick Photography
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
19
FEATURED PHOTOS: Gold Buyers of Alaska Miners Dinner
In May, the Gold Buyers of Alaska hosted their seventh Annual Miners Prime Rib Dinner at a local favorite spot, the Turtle Club in Fox, Alaska. The event is a chance for gold miners from around Alaska to come together for an evening of good food and fun times with fellow miners and friends. Lee and Melinda St. Pierre, owners of GBA Assaying & Refining, welcomed more than 180 guests to dine and toast the new mining season of 2022. This occasion is a great opportunity for miners to see each other one last time before everyone heads out to their mines across Alaska. Many won’t see city lights again until after the first snow. The first event was inspired at the Alaska Mining Association convention at the Carlson Center in 2015. Lee enjoyed visiting so much he invited the attendees to dinner at the Turtle Club to catch up and share their stories, and GBA’s Annual Miners Kick Off was born!
20
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
MIDNIGHT SUN DRILLING INC.
Since 1970 Serving the North for Over 50 Years
Contract Reverse Circulation Drilling Services for the Mineral Exploration Industry
2166 Steese Hwy. Fairbanks, AK 99712 | 6 Chadburn Crescent, Whitehorse Yukon Y1A 5Z3 P: 867.633.2626 | F: 867.633.2628 | info@MidnightSunDrilling.com www.MidnightSunDrilling.com
years 1970-2020
WHITEHORSE Y.T.
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
21
Never Miss an Issue! Print + Digital Magazine Subscriptions
Whether you need geophysical, geological or exploration support services, our ideas, experience and northern expertise mean you’ll have the best thinking on your project. Go ahead – pick our brains.
yellowknife • whitehorse • juneau
Stay informed about a variety of topics on industries impacting business in Alaska.
www.aurorageosciences.com
akbizmag.com/subscribe
Providing innovative multidisciplinary engineering services since 1979.
anchorage palmer juneau seattle portland houston vancouver
ak ak ak wa or tx bc
*Treadwell Mine Office Building Historic Restoration
907.561.1011 www.pndengineers.com
* Alaska Association for Historic Preservation
2021 Adaptive Use award winner
22
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Corporate Members
Please support and thank these companies who have renewed their support and corporate membership in AMA. Their continued support makes possible all the work we do in and for the mining industry. A & D Drilling ACZ Laboratories Inc. Advanced Supply Chain International LLC AECOM Ahtna Inc. AIDEA Alaska Aggregate Products LLC Alaska Airlines Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine Colaska Hy-Tech Drilling USA Ltd. Hyak Mining Company IBEW Local 1547 Idaho Mining Association Industrial Pumps of Alaska
PolarX Limited Property Rights Foundation of America, Inc. Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Ram Enterprise, Inc. Ravn Alaska Redpath USA Corporation Remote Made Easy (PSSA) Remote Site Services Inc. Resource Development Council Rotak Helicopter Services Roughstock Mining Services LLC Royal Gold Inc. Ruen Drilling Inc. Ryan Air Inc. Samson Tug & Barge Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology Sealaska Corporation Shoreside Petroleum Inc. SLR International Corporation Society For Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Soloy Helicopters LLC Sophie Station Suites - Fountainhead Hotels Sound Quarry Inc. Southeast Conference SRK Consulting Stantec Consulting Inc. Stoel Rives LLP Sundance Mining Group Swick Drilling North America T & J Enterprises Inc. Taiga Mining Company Inc. TDX Corporation Teck Alaska Inc. - Red Dog Tectonic Metals Inc. Temsco Helicopters Inc. The Alaska Support Industry Alliance The Silver Institute TOTE Maritime Alaska Tower Hill Mines Inc. - Livengood Project Trilogy Metals, Inc. Tyler Rental Inc. Ucore Rare Metals Inc. University Redi-Mix US Ecology Alaska, LLC Usibelli Coal Mine Inc. Utah Mining Association Veritiv Visit Anchorage Weir Minerals Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Western Alaska Copper & Gold Company Western Pacific Crane & Equipment
Colorado Mining Association Columbia River Carbonates Commonwealth North CONAM Construction Company ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. Construction Machinery Industrial LLC Consumer Energy Alliance Contango Ore, Inc. Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) Craig Taylor Equipment Company Crowley Fuels LLC Cruise Lines International Alaska Cryopeak LNG Solutions Cummins Sales & Service Cyr Drilling USA Inc. Dawson City Chamber of Commerce Delta Constructors Delta Industrial Services Inc. Denali Industrial Supply Inc. Desert Air Alaska DGI Geoscience US Donlin Gold LLC Dorsey & Whitney LLP DOWL Doyon, Limited DXP Alaska Pump & Supply Eastern Oregon Mining Association Ecological Land Services Inc. Energy Laboratories Inc. Equipment Source, Inc. ERM Alaska ESS Support Services Everts Air Cargo F.R. Bell & Associates, Inc. Fairbanks Economic Develpment Corporation Fairweather LLC First Bank First Things First Alaska Foundation Freegold Ventures Ltd Frontier Supply Company GCI Business General Refining Corporation Geosyntec Consultants Geotemps Inc. Global Physical Asset Management, Inc. Gold Buyers of Alaska -dba:GBA Assaying & Refining Granite Construction Company Graphite One Inc. Graymont Great Northwest Inc. Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Ground Truth Americas Inc. HDR Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company Heliostar Metals HighGold Mining Ltd Holland America Line - Princess Cruises
Institute of Northern Engineering International Directional Services Ipop LLC ISCO Industries JCM Industries Inc. Juneau Economic Development Council Just Refiners USA, Inc. Kinross Alaska Klondike Placer Miners’ Association Knight Piesold & Company Koza Ltd USA Inc Lifewater Engineering Company Lignite Energy Council Lynden M-W Drilling, Inc Madison Lumber & Hardware Inc. Mascott Equipment Company Matson McKinley Research Group
Alaska Business Alaska Chamber
Alaska Coastal Aggregates LLC Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agricultural Bank Alaska Forest Association Alaska Frontier Constructors Inc. Alaska Industrial Hardware Inc Alaska Oil and Gas Association Alaska Policy Forum Alaska Power & Telephone Company Alaska Railroad Corporation Alaska Resource Education Alaska Rock Products Association Alaska Roteq Alaska Trucking Association Ambler Metals LLC American Exploration & Mining Association American Land Rights Association Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Anchorage Sand & Gravel Inc. Arcticom LLC, a BSNC Company Arizona Mining Association Aspen Hotels of Alaska Associated General Contractors of Alaska Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia Aurora Geosciences (Alaska) Ltd. Automatic Welding & Supply Avidian Gold Corporation AVTEC - Alaska Vocational Technical Center BDO USA, LLP Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. Blackwolf Copper & Gold Ltd. Bobcat of Juneau Boreal Environmental Services Boyer Towing Inc. Brenntag Pacific Brice Inc. Brilliant Media Strategies Alaska, Inc. Brownson Bros Builders Choice Modular, LLC C & R Pipe and Steel Inc. CalCIMA Calista Corporation Carlile Chamber of Mines of Eastern British Columbia Chugach Alaska Corporation City of Ketchikan Coastal Helicopters
Metco Alaska LLC MFCP/Jackovich Millrock Resources Inc.
Mitsubishi Materials USA Corp Montana Mining Association Motion Industries NANA National Mining Association Nelson Irrigation Corporation Nevada Mining Association New Mexico Mining Association NISS NMS North Star Terminal & Stevedore Co. LLC Northern Air Cargo Northern Industrial Training, LLC (Anchorage) Northern Industrial Training, LLC (Palmer) Northern Permafrost Consulting Northern Star (Pogo) LLC Northrim Bank Northspan Drilling Ltd. Northwest Mine Supply Northwest Pump Northwest Territories & Nunavut Chamber of Mines Nova Minerals Limited NovaGold Resources Inc. Orica USA Inc. Oxford Assaying & Refining
Pathfinder Aviation, LLC PDC Engineers/RESPEC Pebble Limited Partnership Peggy Petroleum Products Perkins Coie LLP Petro Marine Services PND Engineers Inc.
White Rock Minerals Ltd. Wolseley Industrial Group Women’s Mining Coalition World Trade Center Alaska Wyoming Mining Association Yukon Chamber of Mines Zonge International Inc.
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
23
Third Coal Classic Golf Tourney on June 30
Who wants to play golf in sunny Fairbanks this summer! The Alaska Resource Education 3rd Annual Fairbanks Coal Classic Golf Tournament Presented by Usibelli Coal Mine and sponsored by AMA and the Alaska Support Industry Alliance will be Thursday, June 30, at Chena Bend Golf Course in Fairbanks.
The Classic is one of the biggest events and fundraisers of the year for ARE, supporting the mission of educating young Alaskans on the real story and critical value of resource development in Alaska. To register for teams and sponsorships, use online registration at: birdease.com/FairbanksCoalClassic
24
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
New and Renewing Members
Thank you to all the AMA corporate and individual members who joined or renewed their membership to the association in March and April. You make AMA possible!
Corporations Alaska Railroad Corporation Aurora Geosciences (Alaska) Ltd. Colaska Cummins Sales & Service Fairbanks Economic Develpment Corporation HighGold Mining Ltd Metco Alaska LLC Northwest Pump Remote Site Services Inc. Roughstock Mining Services LLC Sealaska Corporation Shoreside Petroleum Inc.
Robert Emmons Sonia Henrick Christian Norman
David Jacobs Al Johnson David H Johnson William & Deborah Johnson Russell Kirkham Ray & Lee Ann Kreig Michael Kukowski David Lin Andy Lord Courtney Meneses
Kyle Rogers Ryan Rostad Denali Russell Joni Scharfenberg Roger Schnabel Ernie Siemoneit Samuel R Smith Shane Smithhisler Mary P Stech Stanley Stenberg
Gene Pavia Scott Selzer
Individuals Sampurna Arya Jack Beckman Mike Bell Blake Bogart Chip Brown Donald B Burford Roland Butler Patty Campbell Forrest Charlton
Ryan Miller Jim Munsell Kyle Negri
Tom Sternberg Jomo Stewart Bill Stormont Dale Wade Walter D Wells
Dustin Olson Mark Ornellas Cole Petersen Russell & Kimberly Plantt James Porreca
Melanie Werdon David Whitmire James & Dorothy Wilson Milton Wiltse Adam & Michelle Zenger Dave Zimmer
Larry Cooper Gary Coulter Steve Cutler Dan DeLauder Estill ‘Ed’ Dewitt Leslee & Dwight Downer Robert Dun Thomas & Beth Fish Richard Fuelling Louise Grady Darwin Green Jasper Hall Ross Harrington Raesha Hartz David & Carolyn Hedderly- Smith Richard M Hoggan Thomas Howard John Howe Pelham Jackson
Sound Quarry Inc. TDX Corporation Tectonic Metals Inc. Weir Minerals
Carl Portman Jim Robinson Jim Robinson
Operators George & Lynette Campbell
J.P. TANGEN Attorney at Law (P.C.) ALASKA’S MINING ATTORNEY FROM PROSPECT TO RECLAMATION
David Johnson Haynes Tormey Larry Wilmarth
Professionals Ron Alleva Harunobu Arima Caleb Stroup & Kristen Benchley Lena Brommeland Sean & Ashley Conley
907-222-3985 Toll Free 877-414-3985
P.O. Box 297 · Hansville, WA 98340 jpt@jptangen.com · skype: jptangen www.JPTangen.com
Regina Daniels James Dickey
Rainer Trucking Inc. P.O. Box 72905 Fairbanks, AK 99707 EMAIL rainertruckinginc@yahoo.com PHONE (907) 457-2000 FAX (907) 455-4614
2 to 14 Axle Combinations Licensed & Bonded Lowboys
Flats Vans
Not yet a member of the Alaska Miners Association? Or have not yet renewed your membership for 2022? Renew today so you don’t miss a single issue of The Alaska Miner or this year’s 2022 Alaska Miners Handbook and Service Directory, available only to AMA members. Call or email Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director 907-270-9232; jennifer@AlaskaMiners.org.
Rainer Equipment Inc. 2552 Steese Hwy. Fairbanks, AK 99712 PHONE (907) 457-8109 FAX (907) 457-2014
Mining Salvage and Reclamation
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I June 2022
25
Alaska Mining Calendar
n Juneau Gold Rush Days: June 18-19, Douglas. More information: juneaugoldrushdays@gmail. com n Fairbanks Coal Classic Golf Tournament: Co- hosted by AMA, Alaska Resource Education and The Alliance; June 30, Chena Bend Golf Course, Fairbanks n Southeast Alaska State Fair: July 28-31, Haines, Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds. More information: seakfair.org n Tanana Valley State Fair: July 29-Aug. 7, Fairbanks. More information: www.tvsfa.org n Alaska State Fair: Aug. 20-Sept. 5, Palmer. More information: www.alaskastatefair.org n Mining Day at the Fairs: Tanana Valley, July 29, and Palmer, Aug. 20 n AMA Annual Convention and Trade Show: Nov. 6-10, Anchorage. Visit AlaskaMiners.org for more information.
Dedicated to responsible development of Alaska’s resources.
Geologic Consulting Geologic Staffing Geologic Engineering Reporting (including 43-101) Logistics/ Operation Coordination Remote Sie Management GIS Services Permitting Assistance Community Engagement Claims Staking Claims Administration Equipment Rental
AMA Branch Meetings
n AMA Statewide Branch meetings are scheduled bi-monthly through September 2022. These meetings are hosted on Zoom and take place at 7 a.m. Friday. For meeting schedule, please visit www. alaskaminers.org/ama-member-branches n Branches are meeting in-person! For your local branch schedule, please visit www.alaskaminers.org/ama- member-branches or contact Jennifer at jennifer@alaskaminers.org for information
— JUNEAU, ALASKA — AVAILABLE STATEWIDE
✓ CONSTRUCTION ✓ EXPLORATION ✓ CONTRACT
✓ SUPPORT ✓ CHARTER
Follow Alaska Miners Association on Twitter: @AlaskaMiners
operations@coastalhelicopters.com 907-789-5600 www.coastalhelicopters.com
And on Facebook: AlaskaMiners
26
June 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
GOLD & SILVER BULLION IS A GREAT INVESTMENT.
Buy from an Experienced and Trusted Local Dealer. Protect Yourself from Ination and an Unstable Global Economy.
www.oxfordmetals.com 1.907.561.5237 ALASKA’S ONLY LOCAL REFINER BUY : SELL : TRADE
■ ANCHORAGE ■ FAIRBANKS
PEO PLE
As an essential industry, we kept operating throughout the pandemic to produce the essential metals America needs. That put a heavy burden on our people who had to endure extra-long shifts and quarantines. But they outperformed — as they always do — by working safer and increasing silver production. That’s the Greens Creek Difference. OUR PEOPLE: SMART. STRONG. RESILIENT.
heclagreenscreek.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease