A Message from the Executive Director
Dear AMA Members and Friends, Welcome to the 2023 Alaska Miners Association Annual Convention! Last year, after a forced hiatus related to the P-word that I refuse to say any longer, it was the best feeling EVER to reunite and I know we’re going to build on that this year. We are expecting more than 1,200 attendees from across the nation and beyond, and from all sectors of our industry for a week of great networking events, the largest mining trade show in the state, and discussions important to Alaska miners. Our theme “Miners for Generations” shows our appreciation of not just the families working in Alaska mining, but also our dedication to attracting the next generations of Alaska miners. After an overwhelming success last year, we are continuing our Young Professionals Mixer and maximizing ways to involve future miners in our event. And of course, we are going to focus on having mining around for generations. Throughout the week we will feature presentations and keynotes highlighting mining exploration, projects, operations, environmental baseline work, and all of the various regulations, requirements, and other policies that impact our industry. Obviously we are addressing a host of federal challenges. I began to list them here, and quickly realized there’s not nearly enough room in all of the pages to detail the various proposals that inhibit and harm our industry’s present and future. To that end, I am thrilled and grateful for the federal presence we have coming to address our event. Mark Compton with the American Exploration and Mining Association, Scott Gemperline with the National Mining Association, Ryan Sistad with Better in Our Backyard, and Daniel
Please continue to page through this Journal for what’s in store for you all week. From Monday’s short courses, to the sold-out trade show, the Core Shack and Prospector’s Tent, opening breakfasts with the University and Mining Districts, History Night and the Mining Hall of Fame, to our closing Banquet, where we will fundraise for Alaska Resource Education, recognize the Rock Stars of Alaska’s Mining Industry, and dance the night away (fun fact: our band this year played at Mark and my wedding. They are fantastic, so please join us on the dance floor!). There is truly something for everyone at the Convention, and that can be entirely attributed to the Committee of volunteers that has been planning for months. Each of them brings a special and specific skill set that results in a top-notch event, whether you are here for the highly technical topics, the sales, the exhibits, the policy, and obviously, the fun. The Committee is listed in this issue; please pull them aside and thank them when you see them. They’ve put in countless hours, often at midnight, and go above and beyond to arrange terrific events for us – all at the top pay scale, of course. I cannot thank them enough for their work on our Convention. I also cannot thank enough the sponsors, vendors, speakers, and attendees of our Convention. Your support not only makes the event possible, but it is what makes possible our year-round efforts and advocacy for Alaska’s miners. I cannot wait to see you all!
Turner with Power the Future are four individuals leading the charge to fight for a stable domestic mining industry. Being so far away from our nation’s Capitol, it is a comfort to know we have these fierce advocates and I know you will enjoy listening to them. Similarly, I am equally excited and appreciative that Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber will be delivering a keynote luncheon. Representative Stauber has seen punitive policies shut down economic opportunity in his home state and is working with our Delegation to demand pro-resource development policy across the country. And speaking of our Delegation, our wonderful State Directors for Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and Representative Peltola will join us at our breakfast cohosted with the Alaska Support Industry Alliance. The federal focus will be prominent Convention week, and I am so thankful for the involvement by the strong team leading the way. We have so much to be proud of, such as the stories we’ll hear from Hecla Mining CEO Phillips Baker about the amazing success story of the Greens Creek Mine. This is just one example of the responsible, safe, and tremendously beneficial mining operations that are critical for our independence and prosperity…for generations.
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.
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Committee Chairmen Kevin Adler, Convention
Howard Grey and JP Tangen, Federal Oversight Mike Satre and Lorali Simon, State Oversight
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I November 2023
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