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.
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August 2019 Volume 47, Number 8
Journal of the Alaska Miners Association
Industry, State Hail EPA’s Return To Fair Process The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced July 30 it will advance the removal of the proposed determination against the Pebble Project that has long been viewed as a preemptive veto of the project. AMA immediately issued a Press Release welcoming the withdrawal of the Proposed Determination. In it, AMA noted it has maintained that the Assessment and Proposed Determination were a denial of due process and set an alarming precedent that would discourage investment of all kinds in Alaska.
AMA Executive Director Deantha Crockett said, “We are glad to see the EPA has removed this proposed determination and that fair and due process is back on the table for Pebble. Development proposals must be stringently evaluated, and only fair reviews of project proposals will ensure continued investment in Alaska’s economy. This is a magnificent mineral deposit that would bring substantial revenues and jobs to Alaska at a time when we need both more than ever. Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP) CEO Tom Collier hailed the decision. “Finally, this Administration has reversed the outrageous federal govern- ment overreach inflicted on the State of Alaska by the Obama Adminis- tration,” said Collier. “The preemptive veto was an action by an Adminis- tration that sought to vastly expand EPA’s authority to regulate land use on state, private and Native-owned lands throughout the United States, and in doing so kill one of America’s most important mineral projects before a development plan was proposed or a comprehensive Environ- mental Impact Statement (EIS) permitting review was undertaken. “The Proposed Determination ordered to be lifted today was a preemp- tive veto that had never before been attempted in the 45-year history of
the Clean Water Act – a fact acknowledged by the former Administrator’s senior staff.” EPA’s Proposed Determination was not based on a development plan proposed by the Pebble Partnership, but on ‘hypothetical mining scenar- ios’ prepared by EPA itself, and assessed in an ‘alleged’ scientific study known as the Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment (BBWA). Following extensive hearings in the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, the BBWA was determined to be both a result of an abuse of due process and an unfortunate attempt on EPA’s part to justify its pre-determined intent to kill the Pebble Project before a devel- opment plan was proposed or a fair, science-based regulatory review was undertaken. A team at the Pebble Project site assembles a solar array. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers comment period on the project has ended and there’s cautious optimism the project can continue to move forward.
continued on page 6
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MINING DAY At the Alaska State Fairs
SOUTHEAST ALASKA STATE FAIR Saturday | July 27 TANANA VALLEY STATE FAIR Friday | August 2 THE ALASKA STATE FAIR Saturday | August 31
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you would like to volunteer please email: • Anna.Atchison@kinross.com for Tanana Valley State Fair (in Fairbanks) • laci@alaskaminers.org for Alaska State Fair (in Palmer) NEEDED PLEASE! If you would like to volunteer for the Alaska State Fair on August 31 please email: laci@alaskaminers.org for signup information!
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Location: • Encompasses 23 federal mining claims in 40-acre blocks totaling 920 acres of well- established and currently operating Alaska mine site. This mine is a 5 hour drive north of Fairbanks and located on the tail end of the known Klondike Glacial push, also known as the Chandalar Trail area. • The mine site is 6 miles off the Dalton Highway at Gobblers Knob near the beginning of the Brooks Range and the highway used by “Ice Road Truckers”. • Claims are located on federal land and are leased. • This mine has produced 1 ozt. of gold per running hour by running 70-80 yards of material per hour for the past 5 seasons. • The mine is fully permitted and in good standing with federal and local agencies.
Geology: • The site consists of 920 fully permitted acres. Of those 920 acres only 50 acres have been mined. • The Jubilee Mine owners are offering recent and reliable drill records with a geological summary from a highly noted geologist based in Fairbanks. • Housing is a converted Alyeska Pipeline triple wide mobile man camp. It consists of 4-5 bedrooms, kitchen (with dishwasher), living room, dining room and laundry area. • Next to the main house is a large guest cabin, big enough to house 3-4 guests. • Secure gated access restricts and limits uninvited guests. Alyeska Pipeline Inc. maintains a locked gate with daily ground and aerial patrols of the pipeline. • An airstrip is within 35 miles of the site with plenty of space to land a helicopter on-site.
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August 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Members, When I started in my role as
bonded mining operations, and why imposing an arbitrary and punitive new financial assurance structure could demolish the health of the industry. While the Trump Administration ultimately decided this new structure was unnecessary, it is due to the immense efforts in our industry to ensure the legal and administrative record contained iron-clad documentation of why the rule was unnecessary that resulted in a favorable court ruling. Those efforts were spearheaded by the National Mining Association and the American Exploration & Mining Association, two groups that constantly have our back in Washington. In addition, the State of Alaska, BLM, and US Forest Service did an exemplary job defending their regulatory programs within this issue. Finally, fair season is underway, and it is our privilege to be able to represent our industry before thousands of Alaskans at fairs in Southeast Alaska, Fairbanks and Palmer. I’ve just returned from a driving trip to Haines where Karen Matthias and I experienced the Southeast Fair for the first time and had a fantastic experience talking with Alaskans from all over Southeast about the benefits of mining. You only need to look at the photos in this issue to see how much fun we had, and I expect the same for the upcoming fairs in Fairbanks and Palmer later this month. Don’t misunderstand there are immense challenges before us currently, most notably the intense State of Alaska budget debate ongoing as of press time. Our elected leaders have a tremendous task before them. I do not envy anyone having to make incredibly difficult decisions about what is best for Alaska. In my view, the best we can do on a personal level is be respectful of that challenge and contribute in any way we can to ensure we continue to see positive advancements not only in our industry, but for Alaska. With the great people of this state, I just don’t see how we can do anything but succeed. Enjoy what is left of your summer!
Executive Director in June 2012, some of you, and you know who you are, talked to me about what I’ve since learned is a myth—that summer is “slow time” for AMA. While all our miners are out mining, field seasons underway, or perhaps folks just taking some R&R, summer
was purported as this time that things were quiet, and we could tend to our long-term goals and administrative tasks at AMA. Seven years in, I’ve come to decide that the slow time exists in the same places as Bigfoot and unicorns. But I’ve also realized I wouldn’t have it any other way. One of the most enjoyable things about the staff, Lee, and I assembling these publications throughout the year is looking back at what we’ve been working on so that we can share it with you. Recapping our efforts and accomplishments gives me a great feeling. First, as you’ll read on the cover, we were absolutely thrilled to see the EPA’s withdrawal of the Proposed Determination at Pebble. This is exactly what we asked for when I joined six of my colleagues--Kati Capozzi, Alaska Chamber; Kara Moriarty, Alaska Oil and Gas Association; Rebecca Logan, Alaska Support Industry Alliance; Alicia Siira, Associated General Contractors of Alaska; Karen Matthias, Council of Alaska Producers, and Marleanna Hall, Resource Development Council--to meet with a visiting EPA delegation in late June. At that time, these amazing business leaders, almost every single one of them not necessarily “in the mining industry” voiced their grave concerns with how preemptive veto policy impacts all industry sectors, in all parts of our nation. I couldn’t be more grateful to these organizations for standing up for a fair regulatory process in our state. When you see them or their members, please take the chance to thank them. Keeping up with the great news, because it’s summertime and we deserve to celebrate, in late July we say a major victory when a D.C. Circuit court rejected the ENGO challenge to the EPA’s final rule to not require additional financial assurance of hardrock mines under CERCLA 108(b). This follows years of effort and supplying the Obama Administration with vast pages of reasons why our industry is superbly regulated, why State programs to require financial assurance have resulted in well-
Deantha Crockett Executive Director
Executive Board Mike Satre, President Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company, Juneau Bill Jeffress, First Vice President SRK Consulting, Anchorage Bartly Kleven, Second Vice President Kinross – Fort Knox, Fairbanks Kim Aasand, Treasurer Aasand & Glore LLC, Anchorage Branch Chairmen Ted Hawley, Anchorage Roger Speer, Denali Anna Atchison, Fairbanks James Sage, Haines Frank Bergstrom, Juneau Jim Duffield, Kenai Blake Bogart, Nome Andrew Spokely, Ketchikan/Prince of Wales
Committee Chairmen Kevin Adler, Convention Howard Grey and JP Tangen, Federal Oversight Steve Grabacki, Fisheries Meg Day, HR/Workforce Development Paul Glavinovich, State Oversight Follow us anytime: Online at AlaskaMiners.org Like us on Facebook at Alaska Miners Association Follow us on Twitter @alaskaminers
The Alaska Miner is the official journal of the Alaska Miners Association, published eight times a year exclusively to our members.
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 Crockett, Executive Director Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director Laci Michaud, Projects Manager Darlene Strickland, Bookkeeper/Membership
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I August 2019
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Pebble Hails EPA’s Return To Fair Process
Exploration work on the Pebble Project site continues in the 2019 summer season, while awaiting approval to continue work.
The Following information was provided by PLP via press release July 30. Collier expressly thanked Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy for his lead- ership in encouraging EPA to withdraw its Proposed Determination. “As Governor Dunleavy clearly recognizes, major companies will not invest in resource development in Alaska if projects can be vetoed before they receive a fair review. Alaska has needed this kind of leadership for years. Governor Dunleavy appears to be fulfilling his pledge to make sure the world knows Alaska is open for business, and supports responsible resource development,” Collier said. The formal withdrawal of EPA’s Proposed Determination is one of a series of important milestones that Pebble believes demonstrate it is progressing steadily toward a positive Record of Decision. Others include: •In December 2017, Pebble submitted a permit application to the Corps for a project with a substantially smaller development footprint and enhanced environmental safeguards. This includes elimination of cyanide from mineral processing; removal of all mine facilities from the Upper Talarik drainage; no permanent waste rock storage on surface; enhanced tailings storage facility safety and stability measures; and, more robust water management and treatment capabilities. Pebble’s application was accompanied by approximately $150 million of environmental baseline data — one of the most extensive such databases ever submitted for a mining project in America. •In February 2019, the Corps issued the Draft EIS for the Pebble Project – the first time a truly objective, expert analysis of Pebble’s potential environmental impacts has been published in the more than 10 years that debate about the project has raged. The Draft EIS makes clear that the proposed mine will not harm Bristol Bay fisheries. •In November 2018 and May 2019, PLP announced Right-of-Way Agreements with two Alaska Native village corporations with exten- sive landholdings near Pebble, securing access to a transportation corridor to serve the proposed mine. The agreements make Alaska Peninsula Corporation and Iliamna Natives Limited partners in the Pebble enterprise and demonstrate local Alaska Native support for the project.
•In addition to overwhelmingly electing pro-development Governor Mike Dunleavy in November 2018, Alaska voters rejected an an- ti-development ballot measure promoted by its proponents to stop Pebble by a margin of more than 2:1. “The withdrawal of the Proposed Determination... the proposal for a smaller, environmentally optimized mine... the Draft EIS conclusions regarding the Bristol Bay salmon fishery... the published schedule for the Final EIS and Record of Decision... and the favorable political climate in Alaska – together, these factors give us a high level of confi- dence that we will get a permit,” Collier said. “The smaller, environmentally enhanced mine plan meets the high environmental standards and permitting requirement enforced in the US and Alaska and should receive a permit.” Collier further predicted that opponents will say, notwithstanding to- day’s withdrawal of the Proposed Determination, that EPA can always initiate a new veto process next year. “Really? Why in the world would EPA withdraw a proposed veto today, if it intends to initiate a new one in less than a year?” he asked. As proposed, the Pebble Project is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars in State government revenues each year at a time when the State of Alaska is facing a fiscal crisis. It is also expected to support some 2,000 Alaska jobs, with average compensation for mine “The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 Regional Administrator is providing notice of the EPA’s decision to withdraw the Proposed Determination to restrict the use of certain waters in the South Fork Koktuli River, North Fork Koktuli River, and Upper Talarik Creek watersheds in southwest Alaska as disposal sites for dredged or fill material associated with mining the Pebble deposit.” The complete 28-page EPA press release is available online at: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-07/documents/bris- tol-bay-frn-pre-publication-7-30-2019.pdf workers in excess of $100,000/year. In its executive summary, the EPA said:
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August 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Pebble Project Moves Beyond EIS Comment Period
After one of the most contentious public comment period perhaps ever in Alaska, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has ended public comment on the Pebble Project. The comment period for the Draft EIS for the Pebble Project closed on July 1. As of this writing, the USACE has received over 100,000 com- ments. The USACE will now begin the process of evaluating and review- ing all the comments. AMA issued five pages of technical comments in support of Alternative 1, the project proposal, and providing information about the excellent environmental track record of Alaska’s mines under the State’s regulatory regime.
Each substantive comment - those that focused on issues identified in the DEIS - will receive a response as the USACE prepares the Final EIS for the project. The Pebble Project is continuing to respond to Requests for Information from the USACE and its third-party contractor, AECOM, according to Pebble’s Mike Heatwole. The Pebble team is also in the process of reviewing the public comments. Some of the key takeaways from the DEIS include the project will not harm the Bristol Bay fishery, the project will create substantial economic benefits - especially for the communities closest to the project, and the project can co-exist with the Bristol Bay fishery as evidenced by Alaska’s experience with resource development and fisheries. It is further worth noting that Pebble could be an important source of copper - a mineral necessary for a green energy future. The Pebble team is also focused on its summer work program. The company is undertaking wetlands mapping and cultural field surveys to support the permitting process primarily along the proposed transpor- tation corridor. The company will be drilling 12 holes to facilitate further refining the groundwater model for the prospect. There will also be some routing maintenance work for legacy drill holes at the Pebble site.
PLP workers near the project campsite. Photo courtesy PLP.
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www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I August 2019
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Southeast Alaska Fair
CAP Executive Director Karen Matthias talks with kids visiting the fair booth about minerals found in Alaska.
AMA Haines Branch Vice Chairman Jerry Lapp staffed the fair booth with CAP Executive Director Karen Matthias.
AMA Executive Committee member Liz Cornejo played the drum in the fair parade, Executive Director Deantha Crockett participated in the AMA float, and Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill marched and played drum in Tlingit regalia.
AMA Executive Director Deantha Crockett and Council of Alaska Producers Executive Director Karen Matthias marched in the fair parade, distributing candy and stickers to parade spectators.
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For the first time ever 2 , the basal paystreak channel at lower Olive Creek has been located, exposed, and partially tested. Current data suggests the channel/pay extends northerly-southerly, is approximately 250-ft wide, with grade varying higher on the west side, to lower on the east side. Previous mining was first mostly upper reaches and by family oriented small operations, later by dragline which did not reach deep enough to mine the main pay, and later by excavator and haul truck, which did reach the main pay but in only a few locations, and in all cases prior to the main pay being properly identified. Grade ranges from in excess of 0.07 (drill data on west side), to 0.012 (mining data on east side) 3 . Thickness is uncertain, but appears to range from 6-ft to 10-ft on the east, to 15-ft to 20-ft on the west. CONTACTS PHONE: 661-487-5396 or 701-837-4780 Jim Bush Jody Jensen EMAIL: jbush@owt.com or jodyjensen0@gmail.com Jim Bush Jody Jensen 1 Of 2014-2015 vintage. 2 Based on all historical data presented to Buckeye and its subcontractors. 3 Drill data subject to all typical risk factors, such as nugget effect, cross contamina- tion vertically in borehole or between samples, etc. Mining data subject to all typical risk factors such as comingling feed, pit sluff, counting errors, spillage, etc.
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August 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Southeast Alaska Fair
AMA Haines Branch board members toss candy to kids watching the fair parade.
AMA Haines Branch Chairman James Sage and Executive Director Deantha Crockett pose next to the fair parade float.
AMA Executive Committee member Liz Cornejo displays the first place ribbon won by the AMA Haines parade float.
AMA Members Peter Naoroz, Liz Cornejo, and Bill Bennet catch up at the Constantine Metals booth at the fair.
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Gold Rush Days Juneau
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August 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Gold Rush Days Juneau
Juneau Gold Rush Days 2019 was a great success this year thanks to all the amazing sponsors and volunteers. A record number of competitors entered in all the mining events with a great crowd to cheer them on despite a stormy Saturday. There were about 5000 visitors each day to enjoy the mining and logging competitions and to enjoy all the food and wares under the big tent. Old and young alike enjoyed panning for gold thanks to the AJ Mine/Gastineau Mill Mine Tours and trying their hand at the Excavator Challenge thanks to Tyler Rental. The Ruth Roberts Children’s Carnival was great fun for the kids thanks to CMI. And for the first time in nearly a decade, the Loggers won the Miners vs. Loggers Tug of War! Special thanks to Coeur Alaska – Kensington Mine, Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company, Juneau Parks and Recreation, Juneau Radio Center, Alaska Marine Lines, Redpath USA Corporation, AJ Mine/Gastineau Mill Mine Tours, NC Machinery, Construction Ma- chinery Industrial and Southeast Mine Supply for being major Gold Sponsors and to many other sponsors and volunteers who contribute so this fun, free family event can happen each year! Be sure to mark your calendars for June 20 and 21, 2020. A new concrete blocks has been poured for the drilling competitions. The Juneau Gold Rush Days Board will be adding a Children’s Spike Driving competition and are considering bringing back Horse Shoe Pitching and a Gold Panning Competitions next year. They welcome new volunteers and your suggestions/comments at JuneauGol- dRushDays@gmail.com. Be sure to enjoy photos posted from both days and Like the Facebook page Juneau Gold Rush Days to stay up to date on next year’s event!
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Thanks to our 2019 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. Ahtna Inc. AIDEA AIL Mining/Big R Bridge Alaska Aggregate Products LLC Alaska Airlines Alaska Business Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Quality Auto Parts
Carlile Chamber of Mines of Eastern BC Chugach Alaska Corporation City of Ketchikan Coastal Helicopters Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine Colaska Colorado Mining Association CONAM Construction Company ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. Construction Machinery Industrial LLC Consumer Energy Alliance Cook Inlet Region Inc. (CIRI) Craig Taylor Equipment Company Crowley Fuels LLC Cummins Sales & Service Delta Western Petroleum LLC (Juneau) Denali Industrial Supply Inc. Donlin Gold LLC Dorsey & Whitney LLP DOWL Doyon, Limited Eastern Oregon Mining Association Ecological Land Services Inc. Energy Laboratories Inc. Epiroc Equipment Source, Inc. ERM Alaska ESS Support Services Everts Air Cargo Exxon Mobil F.R. Bell & Associates, Inc. Fairweather LLC First Bank Frontier Supply Company GCI Business General Refining Corporation Geotemps Inc. Global Equipment Services Gold Buyers of Alaska -dba:GBA Assaying & Refining Granite Construction Company Grant Lake Corporation Graymont Great Northwest Inc. Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce
HDR Hyak Mining Company Hy-Tech Drilling USA Ltd. IBEW Local 1547 Idaho Mining Association Imdex Limited Industrial Pumps of Alaska Institute of Northern Engineering International Directional Services Ipop LLC ISCO Juneau Economic Development Council Kinross - Fort Knox Knight Piesold & Company Lignite Energy Council Lynden Madison Lumber & Hardware Inc. Metco, Inc. MFCP/Jackovich Millrock Resources Inc. Montana Mining Association Motion Industries, Inc. N C Machinery Company NANA Regional Corporation National Mining Association Nevada Mining Association New Mexico Mining Association North Star Terminal & Stevedore Co. LLC Northern Air Cargo Northern Industrial Training Northern Industrial Training, LLC Northern Star (Pogo) LLC Northrim Bank Northspan Drilling Ltd. NovaGold Resources Inc. NRC Alaska LLC NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines Orica USA Inc. Pathfinder Aviation, LLC Pebble Limited Partnership Perkins Coie LLP Petro Marine Services Petro Star/Sourdough Fuel PND Engineers Inc. PolarX Limited Property Rights Foundation of America, Inc.
Redpath USA Corporation Remote Made Easy (PSSA) Remote Site Services Inc. Resource Development Council Rotak Helicopter Services Royal Gold Inc. Ruen Drilling Inc. Ryan Air Inc.
Alaska Coastal Aggregates LLC Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agricultural Bank Alaska Forest Association Alaska Frontier Constructors Inc. Alaska Industrial Hardware Alaska Policy Forum Alaska Pump & Supply Inc. - A DXP Company Alaska Railroad Corporation Alaska Resource Education Alaska Rock Products Association Alaska State Chamber of Commerce Alaska Trucking Association American Exploration & Mining Association American Land Rights Association Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Anchorage Sand & Gravel Inc. Arizona Mining Association Aspen Hotels of Alaska Assoc For Mineral Exploration BC Associated General Contractors of Alaska Aurora Geosciences (Alaska) Ltd. Avidian Gold Corporation AVTEC - Alaska Vocational Technical Center Bald Mountain Air Service Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. Bobcat of Juneau Boyer Towing Inc. Brenntag Pacific Brilliant Media Strategies Alaska, Inc. Builders Choice Modular, LLC C & R Pipe and Steel Inc. CalCIMA Calista Corporation
Samson Tug & Barge Sealaska Corporation SGS North America Inc. Shoreside Petroleum Inc. Siemens Industry, Inc.
Sitnasuak Native Corporation Skookum Development, Inc. Smithco Manufacturing Society For Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Soloy Helicopters LLC Sophie Station Suites - Fountainhead Hotels Southeast Conference SRK Consulting Stantec Consulting Inc. Stoel Rives LLP Sumitomo Metal Mining America T & J Enterprises Inc. Taiga Mining Company Inc. Teck Alaska Inc. - Red Dog TerraSond Ltd The Alaska Support Industry Alliance The Silver Institute TOTE Maritime Alaska Inc. Trilogy Metals, Inc. Tyler Rental Inc. University Redi-Mix Usibelli Coal Mine Inc. Utah Mining Association Visit Anchorage Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Western Pacific Crane & Equipment 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.
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August 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Northern Cobalt Explores SE Vanadium Potential
Australia mining company Northern Cobalt Ltd. is exploring the potential to mine the rare element vanadium in southeast Alaska. Northern Cobalt has applied to the U.S. Forest Service for the proposed project on Snettisham Inlet in the Tongass National Forest about 35 miles southeast of Juneau. Vanadium is used in steel alloys, as well as rechargeable industrial batteries. There’s no active mining at the site now and the last work there was exploration for iron ore some years ago. In a release press release, the company reported recent tests demonstrate the potential to produce a high- grade magnetite product with vanadium credits: • A 63% Fe and 0.64% V2O5 concentrate (DTR) produced from surface samples • The recoveries were achieved using a very coarse grind size of 250 microns • The upcoming diamond drilling program, commencing in the second week of August, will test the grade and conti- nuity of high-grade mineralization and supply samples for further metallurgical test work In June Northern Cobalt released a geophysical exploration target for the Snettisham Project to assess the value of the
magnetite iron ore there in addition to vanadium. The company says metallurgical testing confirm the potential for Snettisham to produce a high-quality magnetite concentrate with signifi- cant vanadium credits at a very coarse grind size. The company release says the Snettisham Project contains several critical infrastructure requirements for processing a va- nadium-rich magnetite concentrate and exporting it to market: • Proximity to cheap electricity to undertake magnetic sep- aration and operation of grinding facilities, a high voltage transmission line and several existing and proposed hydro- power projects nearby. • Access to bulk material handling and transport facilities to move the concentrate to steel markets in either the USA or China, deep water channel adjacent to the project. • Access to an experienced mining workforce to support year-round operations. The Forest Service is reviewing the company’s application.
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New and Renewing Members
Thank you to all the AMA corporate and individual members who joined or renewed their membership to the association in May and June. You make AMA possible! Corporations ACZ Laboratories Inc. AIL Mining/Big R Bridge Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agricultural Bank William T Ahrens Pa Anderson Chasity Anelon Mark Huffington Fred & Jennifer Hurt Mark Hylen Janyce Ibele
Sitnasuak Native Corporation Smithco Manufacturing SRK Consulting Sumitomo Metal Mining America TerraSond Ltd
Patty Campbell Trevor Carbaugh James W & Jean Caswell Sean Chabot Vernon Chimegalrea Robb Christenson Nathan Chutas Malcolm Clark Albert H Clough Truman G Coffield Shawn Colburn Andy Cole Tom Collier Will Collingwood Rod Combellick Steve Connelly Tom W & Donna Cooper
John Pennell Joseph Perkins Argile E Pettit David Pfau Walter & Gail Phillips Steve & Christine Pomrenke David K Poole Gary Porter
Andy Angel Keith Arens Bryan Arnold Anna C Atchison Kevin Aubertin Bryan Babb Portia C K Babcock Brad & Jessie Badger Samuel (Randy) Bailey Roger Baker Arne Bakke John F Barry Kyle Beebe Gregory A Beischer Randy Beltz Bill Bennett William Bieber Steve R Bills Click & Darlene Bishop Louis Blom Cory Bodyfelt Mike Boomgaarden Deryl Box Willie Bragg Jeremy Brans
Abdou Ibrahim Mark Immonen Nikolai Ivanoff Bob Jacko Alvin Jackson Kelley Jeans
Alaska Industrial Hardware Avidian Gold Corporation Bald Mountain Air Service Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. Calista Corporation Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine CONAM Construction Company ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. Construction Machinery Industrial LLC Crowley Fuels LLC Donlin Gold LLC Energy Laboratories Inc. GCI Business General Refining Corporation Geotemps Inc. Kinross - Fort Knox Millrock Resources Inc. North Star Terminal & Stevedore Co. LLC Northspan Drilling Ltd. NRC Alaska LLC Pathfinder Aviation, LLC Pebble Limited Partnership Petro Marine Services Redpath USA Corporation Rotak Helicopter Services
Trilogy Metals, Inc. University Redi-Mix
Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Western Pacific Crane & Equipment White Rock Minerals Ltd. Operator Kim & Kirsty Ferguson Professional David Adams Lawrence VAlbert James Barker Ivan J Clark Thomas C & Elizabeth Crafford Jon Fuglestad Dan & Kim Graham KimGrande Richard A & Virginia Hughes
Randy Powelson Eric Prendeville Olga Prestwick Falcon Price Hunter Propsom
William Jeffress Roger L Jenkins Mark Johnson Michelle Johnson Brenda & Roy Josephson Jeremiah Kalinauskas Jeff Kase John J Kato Norman W Kelly Tim J. Kelly
Chris Puchner Craig Pueschel Jennifer Pyecha Ann Quinlan Roberta ‘Bobbi’ Quintavell Dave Raich Mike Rawson
Ty Cortner Meg B Day Aaron Debrah Randy DeFosse
Chris Kennedy Mark Kiessling Dale Kissee
Rob Retherford Samuel W Reves
Jeff DeFreest Denny DeWitt Jack DiMarchi Kirby Donald Greg Durocher Ben Eaton Karsten Eden Judd & Gail Edgerton Edward M Edson Chris Ekstrom William (Bill) T Ellis Nick Enos Gregory Erkins Bob Estey Mick Ewing Dawna Faanes Robert H File Sr Edmund Fogels Stan & Sally Foo Mike Franger Curtis Freeman James Fueg Dan Gallagher Bruce M Gamble Colin Gandy Jay Gear Chad D Gerondale Chris Gerondale Robert Gerondale Ken L Gerondale Jr. Wade L Gies Matt Gill
Paul Richards Ben Roberds Isaac J Rowland Steven R & Debbie Rowland Steve Rushford
Bartly Kleven Lela Klingert Richell D (Chelly) Koeppen Rebecca Koonce
Natalie King Tisha Kuhns David & Victoria Manzer Daniel Neuffer Kurt Radtke Mark Robinson George Roth Glenn P Ruckhaus Christopher Stevens Steve D & Susan Karl Teller Individuals
Wendell Koontz Janet Korbanics Thomas Krolak Tisha Kuhns Ann Lambert Diana Lapham Kathi & Jerry Lapp Colleen Laraux Rick Lawrence Sarah Lefebvre Parker Lennihan Donna & Jeff Logan Jeanne & Steve Luhrs Jonnie C Lynch Rocky MacDonald Paul & Joni Manuel Don Maupin David J May Chris Maynard Sam Mazzeo Melody C Mcallister
Dan Sanders Rick Sandoval Ted Schachle Jeanine Schmidt Richard N Schok Jr. Millie Schoonover Tom Setterfield John Shively Julie Shumway Joe Simonsen Diana N & Daniel Solie Peter Spera
Alba Brice Sam Brice
Dave Brokaski Peter J Browne Darcy Buchanan John R Burns Bob Buto Thomas Byron Aaron Calhoon
Samson Tug & Barge Sealaska Corporation SGS North America Inc.
RECRUITMENT CHALLENGE!
Phil St George Tony Steenhoff Dave Stewart Eric Stoll Cristy Suing David Szumigala Taylor Taipale Connor Taylor Dino Titaro Jan Trigg James D Troxell
RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS TO AMA FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 2 ALASKA AIRLINES ROUND-TRIP TICKETS!
Mara McGrath Roger Mechon Jamie Meier
Bob S Tucker Evan Twelker Dan Twitchell Cecil Urlich Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse Tim J VanWyngarden Evan Venechuk Dominic Vilona Jesse Walker Ray Warner David Watkins David & Twyla Webber Jen Wieland Cathy Winans Clint Winzenburg John E Wood Ely Woods Kristina Woolston Jeff Wray Cara Wright David G & Sharon M Wright Raymond Young
Marti Miller Sarah Miller Robert Weeden & Melanie Millhorn Rick Mombourquette Alexandra Moreno Richard Morris Charlene R Morrison Jason Morrison Donald & Judith Mullikin Doug Myers Dick Mylius Terry Nagel Craig Natrop Steven W Nelson Ukallaysaaq Okleasik Steven Olson Margie Olympic Bill Orchow Kellan Osborne Linda Palmer Merrill & Penny Palmer
Clyde Gillespie Ryan Goodrich
Eugene Gopalkista Don & Carolyn Gray Kim Griffith Jon Hager Robert A Hall Thomas & Louise Hall Mark R Hamilton Shalon Harrington Michael Hatfield Tim Havey Mike Heatwole David Heflinger Kevin Helms Joseph Henri Bruce G & Linda Herning Blake Hillis David W Hoeffel Eric Holst Josh Horst Michael Hromadka
• KC Jones • Donna Welch • Haynes Tormey • Richard Flanders • Liz Cornejo • Gary Gorny • Jason Morrison
Jake Yule Jerry Zieg
Tom Parker Amber Parra Gene Pavia
Not yet a member of the Alaska Miners Association? Or have not yet renewed your membership for 2019? Renew today so you don’t miss a single issue of The Alaska Miner or this year’s 2019 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.ALASKAMINERS.ORG/RECRUITMENT-CHALLENGE
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August 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Contract & Charter Service with 35 years of experience in Mineral Exploration, Seismic, Construction, Survey and Precision Long Line Work Phone: 907.376.1161
3800 W. Aviation Ave Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Bell 205 A1++ BK117B2 AS350B3 AS350B2 AS350BA Hughes 500
www.soloyhelicopters.com
Industry news that matters
Anchorage 1510 E 68th Ave. 907.563.1610
Fairbanks 4000 S. Cushman 907.452.4000
Alaska Business
Visit us at: akbizmag.com
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I August 2019
15
Consulting Economic Geologist Donald L. Stevens Ph. D., CPG President
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
Stevens Exploration Management Corp.
1401 Oxford Dr. Anchorage, AK 99503
Email: donstevens@stevexp.com Phone: 907.561.1991 Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Project Management Placer, Lode, Recon, Petrography, NI 43-101 Report Writing FIND MORE INFORMATION AT: WWW.STEVEXP.COM
Legal Counsel - AK
J.P. Tangen Attorney at Law (P.C.) P.O. Box 297 Hansville, WA 98340
Alaska Land Status, Inc. Due Diligence Mineral Tile Examination • Land Status Research Land and Claim Management Expertise • In Business Since 1988
David S. Manzer, Landman
dmanzer@aklandstatus.com 5381 Tudor Top Circle Anchorage, AK 99507-1631
(907) 222-3985 • Toll Free (877) 414-3985 jpt@jptangen.com • www.jptangen.com
Tel: (907) 563-8882
Stantec provides a full line of environmental and mining engineering services to Alaska projects through our a mining team of over 600 people strong from across North America.
We thrive on challenges
Design with community in mind Fairbanks: 907-452-2128 Anchorage: 907-343-5250
golder.com
stantec.com
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
1972 - 201 9 4 7 Years of Excellence
Flats Vans
• Wireline Coring NQ3 to PQ3 • Wireline CPT & Vane Testing • In-Situ Testing & Instruments • Heli-Portable Drilling Systems • Wide Range of Equipment • Highly Experienced Staff • Sonic Capability
• Geotechnical Site Investigations • Offshore Drilling Specialists • Gravel, Placer Exploration • Large Diameter Bulk Sampling • Grouting, Anchoring & Piling • 3" to 24" Water Wells • Ground Improvement
Rainer Equipment Inc. 2552 Steese Hwy. Fairbanks, AK 99712 PHONE (907) 457-8109 FAX (907) 457-2014
Mining Salvage and Reclamation
Anchorage, AK | 907-522-8263 | E: Hgrey@Foundex.com www.foundex.com Surrey BC Canada | 604-594-8333
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August 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
ALASKAMINERS.ORG DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE RECENTLY REDESIGNED ALASKAMINERS.ORG!
There is a lot of great mining information available such as:
• ADVOCACY: The most recent mining issues at both state and federal levels • EVENTS: Check branch meeting schedules, look for convention updates, and more! • MEMBERSHIP: Download an application or find direct links to apply and/or renew online
• PUBLICATIONS: Digital of AMA’s most recent journals and magazines are available for you to read anytime or anywhere!
QUESTIONS? Contact laci@alaskaminers.org
• ACZ Laboratories, Inc. • Alaska Airlines/Alaska Air Cargo • Alaska Business • Alaska Dreams, Inc. • Alaska Earth Sciences • Alaska Horn & Antler • Alaska Industrial Hardware, Inc. • Alaska Railroad • Alaska Satellite Internet • BLM Minerals • BME USA Inc. • Boart Longyear • Bureau Veritas Minerals • Builders Choice Modular, LLC • ChemTreat • Crowley Fuels • Cummins Inc. • Delta Mining Services • Energy Laboratories Inc. • Esri • Fibergrate Composite Structures, Inc. • Fireweed Strategies LLC
• JCM Industries • JH Fletcher & Co. • Lynden • Montgomery & Associates • Motion & Flow Control Products • Mount Baker Mining & Metals • Northern Star Resources Limited • Northspan Drilling Ltd. • NRC Alaska • Orica USA Inc • Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp • Pathfinder Aviation, LLC • Pro-Seal Service Group • Rain for Rent • Ruen Drilling Inc • Sample Archive Systems, Inc. • Samson Tug & Barge Co., Inc. • SGS North America Inc. • Shoreside Petroleum Inc. • SLR International Corporation • SmithCo Manufacturing, Inc. • Soloy Helicopters, LLC • Sophie Station Suites • SRK Consulting • State of Alaska (DNR) • TrailerCraft, Inc. • TTT Environmental, LLC • UMV, Express DMV Solutions • USDA Forest Service • Wartsila North America, Inc. • Weir Minerals North America • Zonge International Inc.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 TRADE SHOW VENDORS
• Frontier Supply • Geotemps, Inc. • GES Rental LLC
(Global Equipment Services Inc.)
• GF Urecon • Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining • Golder Associates Inc. • Imdex Limited • Industrial Pumps of Alaska • ISCO
*Trade show vendor list as of press time
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I August 2019
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Alaska Mining Calendar
Alaska Earth Sciences Comprehensive Geologic Services
August 2 Mining Day at Tanana Valley State Fair – Fairbanks August 31 Mining Day at the Alaska State Fair • Palmer November 3-9 2019 AMA Annual Convention and Trade Show Dena’ina Center/Marriott Hotel, Anchorage December 6 National Mining Day
p Geologic Consulting p Geologic Staffing p Geological Engineering p Reporting (including 43-101) p Logistics/Operation Coordination p Remote Site Management p GIS Services • Geologic Consulting • Geologic Staffing • Geologic Engineering • Reporting (including 43-101) • Logistics/Operation Coordination • Remote Site Management • GIS Services • Permitting Assistance • Community Engagement • Claims Staking • Claims Administration • Equipment Rental p Permitting Assistance p Community Engagement p Claims Staking p Claims Administration p Equipment Rental
Dedicated to responsible development of Alaska’s resources.
Alaska Earth Sciences Comprehensive Geologic Services
p Geologic Consulting p Geologic Staffing p Geological Engineering p Reporting (including 43-101) p Logistics/Operation Coordination p Remote Site Management p GIS Services
Dedicated to responsible development of Alaska’s resources.
AMA Branch Meetings
p Permitting Assistance p Community Engagement p Claims Staking p Claims Administration p Equipment Rental
Anchorage Summer Meetings August 9 and September 13 only Fall meetings resume every Friday September 13 7 a.m. Peanut Farm old side Fairbanks
Juneau Adjourned for Summer Kenai
11401 Olive Lane, Anchorage, Alaska p 907-522-4664 www.alaskaearthsciences.com Dedicated to responsible development of Alaska’s resources.
October–April, Every Friday 7 a.m. Louie’s Restaurant Nome First Friday of each month 12 Noon Polar Cafe
11401 Olive Lane, Anchorage, Alaska p 907-522-4664 www.alaskaearthsciences.com
Resume in September 7AM Westmark Hotel Haines Every Friday 7 a.m. Bamboo Room
Coastal Helicopters Juneau, Alaska
www.coastalhelicopters.com
Available statewide
Construction Exploration Contract
Support Charter operations@coastalhelicopters.com 907-789-5600
A Great Leveraged Play on the Gold Price
Working to improve Project announced in 2017 Study* 2019 Work Plan Budget of $3.7 million. Continue the focus on metallurgical studies to better de ne and re ne the project owsheet. 2,000 kg of metallurgical composites being processed: Evaluate the optimum grind size Determine whether di erent recovery parameters should be applied across orebody • •
BBA Inc. retained to continue guiding metallurgical program. 2017 PFS showed Improved Project (as compared to 2013 Study) • Project size optimized at 52,600 tons/day • 6.8 million ounces of gold produced over 23 years • All-in Costs (AIC) down more than $250/oz to $1,247/oz We will continue to prepare for future potential permitting and construction, while also conducting baseline environmental studies. Livengood Gold Project: highly levered to the gold price with the opportunity to be a successful Alaska gold mine for decades to come. • Production Costs before Capital $878/oz • All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) $976/oz
*April 10, 2017 NI 43-101, Pre-Feasibility Study
ITHMINES.COM
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