THE ALASKA MINER MAGAZINE: Our magazine is published quarterly and delivered to both the members of the Alaska Miners Association and to key decision-makers and leaders in Alaska and beyond. Our goal is to educate, advocate, and lead our industry as one of the strongest, oldest, and most productive corporate citizens in Alaska. AMA’s mission is to promote responsible mineral development in Alaska. We provide key communication between our members, the industry, and policymakers in and out of Alaska. Each issue includes news and information important to our industry and our constituents.
Family Farm of the North Alaska miners continue to carve out legacies
Alec and Evelyn “Evie” Helzer — fourth-generation Usibelli family members and great-grandchildren of Emil Usibelli — are on Usibelli Coal Mine's reclamation team
Summer 2025 The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska Volume 53, Number 7
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Executive Director’s Report
Dear Alaska Miners, This issue of your magazine
is about one of my favorite topics: family. My family, your family, the Alaska mining family. We’ve all uttered the words, “Alaska is a really small state, there is barely one degree of sep- aration.” Working with family is nothing new for us; we’ve worked alongside several generations in this state and in Alaska’s indus- tries. But you might be surprised to realize the rest of the world doesn’t understand and experience that. Whether you call it coincidence, choice, or just what we do really well — our families are dedicated to making a better Alaska and a better job through mining. So we’re thrilled to feature in this magazine a cross-section of only a few of the hundreds, if not thousands of families, we work with. Some, like the Usibelli family, have been doing what they do for more than sev- en decades. Others, like Republic Services and Alaska Minerals, are bringing new families into Alaska’s mining industry, and it is so grat- ifying to see this trend continue across the state. As I began my career (longer ago than I care to admit), I imme- diately recognized the family na- ture of Alaska mining. The techni- cal side is one thing widely known: a deposit is discovered, studied, permitted, developed, operated, re- claimed, and there are a million lit- tle pieces in between each of those steps. But along the way, it is the people caring for each other, that makes Alaska stand out. It might be blood relation, which this issue focuses on. And it may be because Alaska miners establish workplace culture that makes their colleagues feel like family. Whatever it is, it’s
Deantha and her mother, Marilyn.
our amazing people — family — I can’t imagine working anywhere else. Helping people in our industry is what gets me out of bed and fires me up to do better. I think you’ll see exactly the same as you read these stories. Again, these are just a few stories to tell today, but there are so many more. I hope we’ll have the time to tell you all of them, and I really hope you will share yours with us. After all, this is your as- sociation, your magazine and your state to protect and grow. Bless you all, and let’s keep moving forward!
the life we live that so few outside our industry understand. As many of you know, I grew up in the resource development association business, too! My mom, Marilyn, led the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, where she began before she was 18 years old and retired as the Executive Director after 41 years. I grew up watching her advo- cate for a better Alaska through re- sponsible development, which gave me both the skills and the passion to represent AMA today. Representation means con- necting, informing and inspiring. It also means getting fighting mad and hollering loud (pretty good at that) when we’re under attack or battling opposition from ill-in- formed and manipulative entities. Like many young Alaskans, I looked at other places in the coun- try, and I had other career options. For many of my generation, there’s always a choice. But working with
Deantha Skibinski, AMA Executive Director
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ON THE COVER: The Usibelli family has been in the coal mining industry in Alaska for generations. Usibelli Coal Mine helps produce the source of power for many Alaskans and will continue to be vital to the future of mining in Alaska. See more on Page 26. Photos Courtesy Usibelli Coal Mine THIS PAGE: The University of Alaska Fairbanks continues to provide valuable education and training for the future of the mining industry. A UAF proposal to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign sources of minerals critical to the technology and defense industries was recently named a semifinalist in a National Science Foundation competition. See more on Page 42. Photo Courtesy UAF
The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska
TABLE OF CONTENTS
10 One, Big, Beautiful Bill and Alaska 12 Forest Service Cuts Roadless Rule 18-19 2025 AMA Convention Schedule 22 Faces of Mining: Jessica Rostad
38 Kensington Safety Team Wins Big 40 Excitement Abounds at Donlin 44 Newest Mining Business and Service Directory
1 Executive Director’s Report 4 Message from AMA's President
The Alaska Miner is dedicated to those who work in and support the mining industry in Alaska, its commitment to the people, and resources of our state. Our magazine is published quarterly and delivered to both the members of the Alaska Miners Association and to key decision makers and leaders in Alaska and beyond. Our goal is to educate, advocate and lead our industry as one of the strongest, oldest and most productive corporate citizens in Alaska. AMA’s mission is to promote responsible mineral development in Alaska.
EDITORIAL CALENDAR
ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION STAFF
Fall 2025 Annual Anchorage Convention Winter 2026 Legislative and Season Preview
Deantha Skibinski Executive Director Jennifer Luiten Membership and Fundraising Director Carin Currier Projects & Communications Manager Darlene Strickland Bookkeeping and Membership
Spring 2026 Project Updates Summer 2026 People in Mining
EXECUTIVE BOARD
BRANCH CHAIRMEN
Lorali Simon President, Usibelli Coal Mine, Healy Dave Larimer First Vice President, Contango Ore, Fairbanks Houston Morris Second Vice President, IPA Alaska, Soldotna Kim Aasand Treasurer, Aasand & Glore LLC., Anchorage
Ted Hawley Anchorage Ethan Trickey Denali Dave Larimer Fairbanks Jan Hill Haines Jason Hart Juneau
Houston Morris Kenai Ken Hughes Nome Robert Fithian Ketchikan/Prince of Wales
The Alaska Miner 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. For advertising information or news tips, call or email publisher Lee Leschper at 907-957-6025 or Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com.
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President’s Message From Lorali Simon
Alaska miners show up for our industry!
"Your AMA hits way above our weight class in the fights that matter. We also take care of each other. Especially this year, I have appreciated the support and dedication and friendship of each of you. And that’s what matters most of all." W elcome to a new world! At least, it’s a new world for Alas- ka mining in 2025. We are used to facing headwinds — from
legislation passed, much less legislation against an anti-mining army, you don’t realize what a difficult challenge it is. And yet our leadership has consistently made sure our voice is heard. The current record prices that our traditional and critical minerals are commanding are mak- ing it more economically viable for Alaska proj- ects to go forward. Yet every day we live with a reality that it’s harder, costs more and takes longer to do our work in Alaska. Yet we still do it better! It’s been very compelling this year to listen to our industry and mining leaders speak very passionately, to make our case. And not just for Alaska miners, but for our ability to change the world, to make it a safer place and protect our resources and our people. Let me share something else that makes me especially proud. Many times this spring, at events from An- chorage to our nation’s capital, Alaska min- ers have shown up! You have been answering the call, standing ready to do what needs to be done. It’s so powerful to be at an event with world leaders and to see so many of you. You are not just friendly faces, but leaders who are respected here and everywhere our voice counts. Yes, we have a favorable wind. It would be
nature, regulators, markets. Yet so many of the forces, the winds if you will, that we are con- stantly buffeted by, have now shifted to our backs, supporting what we do. As Alaskans, we’ve never asked for a hand- out, special consideration, or a gift from any- body. We’ve always just wanted a chance to do what we do and to do it better than anywhere on earth. A fair chance to provide for our fam- ilies, while providing for our country and the world the resources we need, for our security and for our modern life we all enjoy. Our governor for two terms has been a strong advocate, to do what’s right to use the available resources for the benefit of all Alaska. We also are blessed with strong leadership in Washing- ton with Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan and Representative Begich on our delegation, making sure our story is told — and told cor- rectly. Through their efforts, as well as those of our newly re-elected President Trump, we have rolled back a lot of the barriers that had hand- cuffed our ability to develop our resources here. Until you have worked to get any kind of
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Summer 2025
easy, comfortable, even complacent, when the wind is at your back and it looks like smooth sailing. But as the old saying goes … “Steel sharpens steel …” It’s our challenges that make us who we are and put us in a position to do the right thing now as the conditions improve. All of the foregoing is to say that it’s more important than ever to show up, to raise your voice, to reach into your pock- ets, to contribute and to be active in this association. Your AMA hits way above our weight class in the fights that matter. We also take care of each other. Es- pecially this year, I have appreciated the support and dedication and friendship of each of you. And that’s what matters most of all. Thanks for what you do, thanks for what you are about to do and thanks for what we do together every day. Have a great summer in Alaska. Lorali Simon is Vice President of External Affairs for Usibelli Coal Mine
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OPINION: Congress has a duty to back the Ambler Road Project will serve as model of doing things the right way
Editor's Note: This piece was developed in mid-June, and while much has changed on this issue since, the points are more true than ever. We wish to thank our Con- gressman and our Senators for their leadership on this important issue. BY KATI CAPOZZI, DEANTHA SKIBINSKI, REBECCA LOGAN, ALICIA AMBERG AND LEILA KIMBRELL A laska stands at a pivotal The Ambler Road — a long- planned 211-mile industrial use corridor connecting the Ambler Min- ing District to the Dalton Highway — offers a generational opportunity to unlock vital economic potential for rural communities while bolster- ing national security and supporting American manufacturing by en- suring a stable, domestic supply of critical minerals. moment and the stars have aligned for our state. This project is about more than infrastructure. It’s about creat- ing high-paying jobs in the Upper Kobuk region, attracting long-term private investment in our state, expanding local supply chains for some of our most rural communi- ties, and delivering resources like copper and cobalt that are essential to everything from electric vehicles to advanced defense systems. And it can be done the Alaskan way — with rigorous environmental standards and a commitment to community engagement. Unfortunately, this project has faced years of shifting federal deci- sions, despite long-standing legal precedent. Congress, led by the late Sen. Ted Stevens, clearly intended access to this region when it passed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, or ANILCA, in
1980. Yet actions by the last admin- istration have created unnecessary delays and uncertainty, undermining confidence in the permitting pro - cess and discouraging badly needed investment in our resource economy. Now, there’s renewed momen- tum within the federal government. The Trump administration has sig- naled support for the project through executive order and other federal actions and recent legislation in the Senate supports the issuance of per- mits for the Ambler Road, signaling a return to regulatory stability and recognition of this project’s national importance. It’s a critical step, and it must be followed by full congressio- nal approval — but permitting alone is not enough. To succeed, this project must also earn and maintain the social license to operate. That means continuing meaningful engagement with tribal governments, local communities, Alaska Native corporations and sub- sistence users — not just as stake- holders, but as partners. Industry must listen, respond and demon- strate a commitment to delivering shared value: local jobs, training programs, cultural protections and infrastructure that benefits commu - nities beyond the mine sites. The economic case is clear. Min- ing in Alaska already supports over 11,000 jobs and contributes more than $1 billion in wages annually. In 2023, the industry generated nearly $50 million in local taxes and $136 million in state revenue — funding schools, roads, airports and public services. The Ambler Road would amplify that impact, expanding ac- cess to remote mineral resources and connecting them to statewide supply chains via rail and port systems used by communities and businesses across Alaska. We also know resource develop- ment can coexist with environmen-
tal stewardship. Alaska’s mining sector operates under some of the most stringent environmental reg- ulations in the world. Compared to many international mineral sup- pliers — where worker exploitation and environmental damage are ram- pant — Alaska offers a safer, more ethical, and more sustainable path forward. If we want to reduce reli- ance on adversarial nations for the materials our economy and defense systems depend on, projects like the Ambler Road must move forward. But they must do so responsibly, with transparency, accountability and long-term community benefit at the center. The inclusion of supportive lan- guage in the Senate is a welcome sign. Now Congress must follow through and send a clear message: that Alaska can develop its resources responsibly, that legal access will be honored, and that infrastructure investment tied to good-paying jobs and critical mineral security is in the national interest. Done right, the Ambler Road can serve as a model — not just for how we build infrastructure in remote places, but for how we align devel- opment, environmental protection and community partnership in a rapidly changing world. Kati Capozzi is president and CEO of the Alaska Chamber
Deantha Skibinski is executive director of the Alaska Miners Association
Rebecca Logan is CEO of the Alaska Support Industry Alliance
Alicia Amberg is executive director of the Associated General Contractors of Alaska Leila Kimbrell is executive director of Resource Development Council for Alaska
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Summer 2025
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OPINION: Donlin Gold deserves fair hearing based on facts Untapped gold deposit will help transform rural Alaska
BY CHUCK KOPP A s someone who has long supported responsible nat- ural resource development in Alaska, I’ve seen how misin- formation can erode public trust and undermine opportunities — especially in regions where those opportunities are few and hard-won. A recent opinion
national context. Both the Biden and Trump Administrations have priori- tized strengthening domestic supply chains for gold and critical miner- als as a matter of national security. Alaska is central to that mission. The Department of Defense and the Department of Energy have signaled strong support for responsibly de- veloped mining projects here. We have a rare alignment of federal support, regional leadership, and long-term economic need. This could be a renaissance moment for responsible mining in Alaska. But standing in the way are outside groups who have turned obstruction into a business mod- el. These NGOs raise money not by helping rural Alaskans — but by attacking every energy, mining, and infrastructure project in sight, regardless of the science or the per- mitting record. They don’t answer to the families who pay $9 a gallon for heating oil. They don’t answer to Calista shareholders trying to build a better life in the region. The Donlin project’s 316-mile natural gas pipeline could help lower energy costs across the Y-K region. That is real infrastructure. That is economic justice. And it is exactly what’s at stake when we allow loud, well-funded outside interests to override the voices of those who actually live there. Calista Corp. has not run from accountability. It has led — with care, with commitment, and with consistent engagement. Donlin Gold isn’t just a mining project. It’s a path forward. And if we believe in a stronger Alaska — one that includes our most remote re- gions — we should be supporting that path, not blocking it. Rep. Chuck Kopp of Anchorage rep - resents District 10 in the Alaska House of Representatives and currently serves as House majority leader
their technical expertise. Donlin met the test. And after the permits were granted, over $220 million more was invested into the project and the surrounding region to prepare for development and support local communities. Despite that, na- tional environmental groups filed
suit. In September 2024, the U.S. Dis- trict Court for Alaska ruled against nearly every one of their claims. The only remaining issue is a narrow question
piece titled “Calista needs to stop run- ning away from its shareholders and face the facts on Don- lin” misrepresents both the Donlin Gold project and Calis- ta Corp., which has consistently shown
about whether NEPA required additional analysis of a hypo- thetical worst-case tailings release. That’s not misconduct — that’s due process. And it’s already caused unnecessary delays. The claim that Calista is ignor- ing its shareholders is simply false. Calista has been open, consistent and deeply engaged. Since the 1990s, more than 200 community meet- ings have been held to discuss the Donlin project. In just the past year, Calista and Donlin Gold conducted 18 separate community visits to provide updates and answer questions — not including open house events in Anchorage and Bethel. This is not a company that is “running away.” It is walking directly into rooms full of ques- tions—and answering them. That is leadership. Shareholder hire rates at Donlin have been as high as 90% during past field seasons. This year, they’re in the 70% range. That’s not to- kenism — it’s real, local ownership of opportunity. And it’s happening because Calista has stayed at the table, pushing for benefits that will endure for generations. Let’s also talk about the broader
strong and thoughtful leadership in representing the interests of its shareholders and region. Donlin Gold is not a reckless gamble. It’s one of the largest untapped gold deposits on Earth, with a 34-million-ounce reserve located in Alaska’s Yukon-Kus- kokwim region — an area larger than Pennsylvania that struggles with some of the highest energy costs and least developed infra- structure in the country. Donlin offers the kind of transformative, generational opportunity that rural Alaska has waited decades for. This is not a rushed project. Donlin has been in development for over 30 years. In 2012, it entered the federal permitting process. Af- ter six years of exhaustive environ- mental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the project received its Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a federal right-of-way from the Bu- reau of Land Management. These were not rubber-stamped. Federal agencies applied the full weight of
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The Alaska Miner
Summer 2025
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One, Big, Beautiful Bill: How it will impact Alaska
This bill unlocks Alaska’s resources. With this bill, we secured the most sig- nificant federal expansion of responsible energy development since Statehood: n Secures lease sales on over 30 million acres in ANWR, NPR-A and Cook Inlet. n Includes a 40% increase in the state’s share of federal royalties, re- turning billions to local communities for schools, roads, health care, and public safety all while strengthening the Permanent Fund. n Streamlines permitting and environmental reviews to give stakeholders the certainty needed to invest and creates high-paying jobs. n Delivers reforms that revital- ize Tongass timber and spark new growth in Alaska’s timber industry. This bill provides historic tax relief for working families and seniors. This bill recognizes the high cost of living in Alaska and helps Alaskans by: n Eliminating federal tax on overtime and tips, helping deckhands to service workers. n Increases the child tax credit. n For seniors, a new $6,000 de- duction for single filers and $12,000 for married couples, on top of exist- ing senior tax benefits. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers key investments to rural health care and strengthens Medicaid: n Secures a $50 billion fund for rural hospitals and clinics nation- wide, with Alaska expected to receive at least $200 million annually for the next five years. These funds will help stabilize critical access to hospitals and community clinics, ensuring Alaskans get the care they need. n Includes Medicaid work re- quirements which were designed with Alaska-specific exemptions: Alaska Natives, seniors, individu- als with disabilities, caregivers, and those in high-unemployment areas are exempt. For others, the require- ments are flexible and can be met through work, volunteering, training, or education for just 20 hours per
The U.S. House recently passed the U.S. Senate amendment to H.R.1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature July 4.
and shore facilities in Sitka, Seward, Kodiak, and St. Paul, enhancing response capabilities and supporting maritime communities. This bill secures our borders and will save lives. Alaska has seen a significant increase in fentanyl-related deaths in recent years with record amounts of the drug flowing into our state. This legis- lation includes the largest investment in border security in U.S. history will stop fentanyl and other drugs before they can reach Alaska’s towns and villages: n 46 billion to complete and re- inforce the southern border wall. n $8 billion for Border Patrol agents and fleet upgrades, ensur - ing better enforcement and quicker response times. n $6 billion for cutting-edge technology to intercept fentanyl and other deadly drugs n Additional resources for immi- gration courts and law enforcement agencies to secure our homeland.
week. n These investments will help address Alaska’s Medicaid backlog and improve and protect services for vulnerable populations and those the program was designed to protect. Our maritime and coastal communi - ties will benefit from investments to our United States Coat Guard: n The One Big Beautiful Bill pro- vides the largest Coast Guard invest- ment in U.S. history with over $20 billion to strengthen maritime safety and Arctic readiness: n Funds for 16 new Arctic-class icebreakers, including Polar and Arctic Security Cutters, expanding America’s presence in northern wa- ters. n 22 new cutters and dozens of aircraft upgrades to protect our na- tion’s vast coastline. n $300 million to homeport a new icebreaker in Juneau, creating jobs and making Alaska the deserved hub for Arctic operations. n Provides critical infrastruc- ture investments for docks, hangars,
— Alaska Congressional Delegation
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The Alaska Miner
Summer 2025
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Forest Service eliminates restrictive Roadless Rule
Citing overly restrictive imped- iments to the responsible manage- ment of nearly 59 million acres of the National Forest System, U.S. Sec- retary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that her department is lifting the 2001 Roadless Rule. "Once again, President Trump is removing absurd obstacles to com- mon-sense management of our natural resources by rescinding the overly restrictive roadless rule," said Rollins. "This move opens a new era of consistency and sustainability for our nation's forests." Established by President Bill Clinton in 2001, the Roadless Rule was designed to protect undeveloped areas of national forests by pre- venting road building and generally prohibiting timber harvesting within "inventoried roadless areas." Conservation groups argue that the rule ensures undeveloped forests remain intact, providing habitat for wildlife, protecting healthy watersheds, and defending against climate change. The U.S. Forest Service, which falls under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), contends that the inability to access and manage those forests poses risks to the very health of habitat that the Roadless Rule was meant to protect. USDA estimates that 28 million acres, or nearly half, of the inven- toried roadless areas covered under the 2001 Roadless Rule are at high or very high risk of wildfire. "It is abundantly clear that prop- erly managing our forests preserves them from devastating fires and al - lows future generations of Americans to enjoy and reap the benefits of this great land," Rollins said. The Roadless Rule has had out- sized impacts on states across Amer- ica's West, which host the vast ma- jority of the forests with inventoried roadless areas. This is especially true for Alaska, which is home to more than 25% of all the national forests under Roadless Rule protection. The 16.9-million-acre Tongass National Forest, which covers rough-
"Alaska's forests are one of our state's greatest natural assets and the 'Roadless Rule' has long stifled responsible forest management, blocked access to critical resources and halted economic opportunity, particularly in Alaska, where 92% of the Tongass National Forest was off-limits." — Congressman Nick Begich
critical to economic opportunities in Southeast Alaska surrounded by the Tongass National Forest." The Tongass also hosts deposits enriched with rare earths and oth- er minerals critical to the nation's economy and security, as well as significant potential for reservoirs of geological hydrogen, a fuel that only emits water vapor into the atmo- sphere when it is burned. Conservationists, however, say the lifting of the Roadless Rule is an "outrageous effort" to strip vital protections, which they believe could result in "rampant logging." The American Forest Resource Council, however, contends that the Roadless Rule is a 25-year-old relic that has failed to protect the nation's forests and communities from the growing threats of wildfire, insects, disease, and climate change. "We welcome urgent action to address the nation's wildfire crisis," said the trade association established to advocate for sustained yield timber harvests on public lands throughout the West. The arguments for and against the Roadless Rule in the Tongass and across America's West will likely be heard in greater detail in U.S. courts.
ly 80% of the Southeast Alaska Pan- handle, hosts 9.2 million acres of the inventoried roadless areas. Alaska's delegates to Washington have long argued that the Road- less Rule is a serious impediment to forest management and responsible timber harvesting, mining, and to the building of roads that would connect communities in Southeast Alaska and other areas of the state. Congressman Nick Begich (R-Alaska) says lifting the Roadless Rule is another "major victory for Alaska." "Alaska's forests are one of our state's greatest natural assets and the 'Roadless Rule' has long stifled responsible forest management, blocked access to critical resources and halted economic opportunity, particularly in Alaska, where 92% of the Tongass National Forest was off-limits," he said. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) says lifting the restrictions will put Alas- kans back in the driver's seat when it comes to forest management and resource development in Alaska. "Since 2001, this rule has hin- dered Alaskans' ability to responsibly harvest timber, develop minerals, connect communities, or build energy projects at lower costs — includ- ing renewable energy projects like hydropower, which are especially
— Shane Lasley, North of 60 Mining News
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The Alaska Miner
Summer 2025
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Summer 2025
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Northern Star Resources (Pogo) LLC Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp Ruen Drilling, Inc. Taiga Mining Company contact Jennifer Luiten. Signup forms can be found on our website at www.alaskaminers.org. Submit a Talk Proposal/ Suggestion If you have ideas or requests for a topic to be covered in the Technical Sessions and other presentations, please submit via email to teller. steve@outlook.com and deantha@alaskaminers.org There is so much in store for us this November — we are looking forward to seeing you!
other networking events are held in the Trade Show to ensure maximum exposure. We are rapidly selling these booths and the show will fill up. Considering bringing your heavy equipment, too! Sponsor the Convention! We have many sponsorship opportunities to fit your needs and budget. Your sponsorship not only helps us underwrite this event, but it also supports AMA’s mission year round. If you are looking for unique sponsorship opportunities or have any questions, please
The AMA Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held Nov. 3-6, 2025, at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage. Make your plans now! There are many ways you can make the most of the largest mining event in Alaska: Book your Trade Show Booth! The Trade Show runs Tuesday – Thursday and is the best way to reach Alaska’s mining industry to showcase your products and services. Keynote Luncheons and
GOLD SPONSORS
Alaska Airlines Construction Machinery
Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining
Industrial, LLC Elemetal Direct
Kinross Alaska NC Machinery
SILVER SPONSORS
Alaska Business • BGC Engineering, Inc. • Hy-Tech Drilling USA Inc. Just Refiners USA, Inc. • Kiewit Mining Group • MTA • WSP USA Inc.
COPPER SPONSORS ConocoPhillips • Denali Industrial Supply, Inc. • HDR • Lynden • Magotteaux, Inc. North of 60 Mining News • Perkins Coie LLP • Republic Services • RESPEC COAL SPONSORS DXP Alaska Pump and Supply
GRAVEL SPONSORS
Just Refiners USA, Inc.
Specialty - Power Lounge, Tech Prize – GCI
SPECIALTY Program – PIP Printing
For more information on sponsoring the convention, call or email Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director at 907-270-9232; jennifer@AlaskaMiners.org.
Save the Date: AMA Annual Convention and Trade Show
Services Inc. n State of Alaska DNR Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys n Stockholm Precision Tools USA LLC n Storm Exploration LLC n Techline Alaska n Thyssen Mining Inc. n Top Shelf Realty n TTT Environmental, LLC n United States Antimony Corporation n VEGA Americas n Yukuskokon Professional Services Heavy Equipment Vendors n Alaska Minerals Inc. n Alaska Mining & Diving Supply n ARG Industrial n Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC n DXP Alaska Pump and Supply n Equipment Source, Inc. n SMS Equipment Inc. Table Top Vendors n Alaska Auto Rental n Camai Enterprices n Hilton Anchorage n North of 60 Mining News n Rain for Rent n Victaulic n WSP USA Inc.
CONSTRUCTION n Horst Expediting & Remote Operations, Inc. n Hy-Tech Drilling USA Inc. n IMDEX n Inlet Energy n JCM Industries, Inc. n Just Refiners USA, Inc. n Kiewit Mining Group n Lifewater Engineering Company n Logic Geophysics & Analytics LLC n Lynden n Magotteaux, Inc n Mascott Equipment n Motion & Flow Control Products n MSALABS Inc. n MTA n NC Machinery n Northern Star Resources (Pogo) LLC n Northrim Bank n Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp n Piton Exploration LLC n Republic Services n RESPEC n Ruen Drilling Inc n Sandvik n Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. n Shoreside Petroleum Inc. n SKAPS Industries n Sophie Station Suites n Stantec Consulting
Confirmed Vendors n ACZ Laboratories, Inc. n Alaska Airlines n Alaska Business n Alaska Dreams, Inc. n Alaska Garden & Pet Supply n Alaska Industrial Hardware, Inc. n Alaska Midnight Sun Drilling Inc. n Alaska Petroleum Dist. Inc n Alaska Railroad n Alpha Aviation n AmerCable Incorporated n Aurora Geosciences (Alaska) Ltd. n Automatic Welding & Supply Corp. n Backcountry EMS n Barr Engineering Co. n Big Ray's n Black Gold Transport, LLC n Boart Longyear n Boreal Environmental Services n Brenntag Pacific, Inc. n Bureau Veritas Minerals n ChemTreat n Elemetal Direct n Equity Geoscience
n Everts Air Cargo n Frontier Supply
n Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining n GUY F. ATKINSON
Our minerals are essential to U.S. security, innovation
Minerals have always been indis- pensable to innovation in the United States, powering milestones from the electrification of cities and the rise of the automotive industry to advance- ments in aerospace and telecommu- nications. Today, the growth of transforma- tive technologies — such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and data centers — is at risk. Despite robust domestic resourc- es, many of the minerals essential to America’s most innovative industries are sourced primarily from overseas — posing significant economic and national security risks for the United States. Artificial Intelligence and Semicon - ductors Semiconductors are essential
The foreign domination of our minerals supply chains presents a significant strategic and economic risk to the United States and our ability to continue developing and commercializing groundbreaking technologies.
for everything from electronics and automotives, to medical devices and military technologies, and cannot be made without minerals like gallium, germanium, palladium and silicon. But looking at those minerals, the U.S. is 100%, 50%, 36% and 50% reliant on imports for each respec- tively.
Electric Vehicles The electric vehicle market has rapidly grown over the past five years, making up over 21% of U.S. auto sales in 2024, alongside hybrid cars. These vehicles use a myriad of minerals like lithium, cobalt, nick- el and graphite for wiring, batteries and storage infrastructure. For those
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The Alaska Miner
Summer 2025
minerals, we are 50%, 76%, 48% and 100% dependent on imports, leaving our EV supply chains operating at the mercy of foreign suppliers. The persistent and unnecessary U.S. import reliance for many of these min- erals, includes a deep reliance on foreign adversaries like China, which is the larg- est global processor of copper, lithium and cobalt, and controls 90% of the world’s rare earths processing. This foreign domination of our min- erals supply chains presents a significant strategic and economic risk to the United States and our ability to continue develop- ing and commercializing groundbreaking technologies. Supply chain disruptions are a looming threat and recent actions by China to restrict rare earth exports pose risks to America’s AI, semiconductor, and defense capabilities. Against these challenges, several recent actions by the Trump administration and Congress are moving us closer to Amer- ican mineral independence. The Trump administration has rolled out a series of mineral-focused initiatives, including an April Executive Order focused on Ameri- ca’s mineral import reliance and national security vulnerabilities, improved per- mitting timelines, and efforts to reverse unnecessary withdrawals or project reversals. In Congress, several minerals-related bills have been introduced that focus on America’s mineral vulnerabilities and ex- panding domestic mining operations. The U.S. must reduce our import reli- ance by cementing these positive changes and fully commit to building a resilient, domestic minerals supply chain — one capable of powering the technologies of tomorrow. Minerals Make Life is a National Mining Association initiative created to share information about domestic minerals mining and its importance to the econo - my, innovation for the future and national security. This initiative will share mining news and educate America’s policymak - ers, influencers and the public, and enable them to make informed decisions about U.S. mining. Minerals Make Life aims to engage consumers, policy-makers U.S. mining employees, suppliers and other key stake - holders in communities nationwide to speak about the need to create policy pre - scriptions critical to ensuring we have the minerals we need for economic prosperity and national security.
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The Alaska Miner
Summer 2025
Faces of Mining
Jessica Rostad Co-Owner and CEO, Big Ray’s
In each issue of The Alaska Miner, we recognize a member of our Alaska mining community, an individual who helps support our vital industry. In this issue, we are telling the story of Jessica Rostad of Big Ray's, who is continuing her own family legacy outfitting Alaskans.
What is your role and how did you get into the industry? I’m the co-owner and CEO of Big Ray’s. My dad was one of the previous owners, and the business itself was founded back in 1947 by the fathers of his two business partners — so you could say I quite literally grew up in the stores! After earning my degree from the University of Oregon, I started my career in new product develop- ment at Gerber Knives in Portland. It was an exciting role, but the pull to come back to Alaska, and to the family business, was strong. In 2012, when an assistant buyer po- sition opened at Big Ray’s, I made the move to Anchorage and joined the company. From there, I worked my way up through the business in various roles, learning the ins and outs of buying, retail operations, man- agement, and sales. In 2019, my business partner Jesse Glamann and I were fortunate to have the opportunity to become the newest owners of Big Ray’s. Who was your mentor in this industry and what did they teach you that remains true today? My dad has been my constant role model. I’ve been fortunate to watch him grow Big Ray’s/Army Navy from a relatively small sur- plus and workwear store in the 1980s into what it is today. He’s the smartest guy I know. He’s not just taught me about running a company but also about the values, patience, and resilience it takes to lead. He has helped me navigate both the challenges of running a busi- ness but also how to ensure balance between work and your life away from the office. What lessons have you learned that you want to share Alaska’s miners? My brother is an exploration
geologist, so I’ve been fortunate to hear firsthand what goes into field exploration: the challenges, the remote conditions, and the physi- cal demands. He’s often out in the field for long stretches in some of the most rugged parts of Alaska, and what’s become clear to me is how critical the right gear is. When you’re in remote environments, having clothing and equipment that keeps you comfortable, dry, and safe isn’t just a luxury, it’s the difference between staying produc -
tive and having to call it a day. That perspective has influ - enced how I think about the role our company plays in supporting Alaska’s workforce. The right gear enables people to do hard work in hard places. What would you do differently? Continuing to make it more of a priority to listen to the people who are wearing the gear we sell, our
CONTINUED on PAGE 24
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Faces of Mining
es: critical minerals, metals and energy that will only continue to grow in importance as technology advances and demand increases. What do you see as Alaska’s biggest challenges? And opportunities? Alaska’s biggest challenges and opportunities are really two sides of the same coin. The cost of living here is in- credibly high; energy, housing, groceries, freight, it all adds up. It’s one of the main reasons we’ve seen people leaving the state. Conversely, the Alaska LNG project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that would provide a stable source of affordable en - ergy for Alaskans, thousands of good-paying jobs, and billions in new state revenue over time. What keeps you awake at night? Though I try hard to shut work off at night, my mind often stays busy thinking about how to strate- gically balance growth while man- aging all the challenges that come with owning a business. We’re constantly navigating ris- ing costs of goods, labor pressures, and shifting consumer expecta- tions and they all impact how we
move forward. The hard part is growing while staying grounded in what’s made us successful for the last 78 years. What does AMA mean to you? The Alaska Miners Association stands for community, oppor- tunity, and the future of Alaska. Through their events, advocacy, and outreach, they create space for collaboration, support, and shared goals. What do like to do for fun? The best part of Alaska is get- ting outside and enjoying all this amazing state has to offer. In the summer, when I’m not working, you’ll usually find me hiking up a mountain after work or out on the water fly fishing. Every July, I do a 10-day float trip in remote Western Alaska. There’s something incredibly cathartic about being out in the wilderness and not seeing another soul (other than the people in our group) for over a week. Honestly, how can you go wrong when your only thoughts for the day are "what fly should I use" and "what freeze-dried meal should I have for dinner?"
FACES, CONTINUED from PAGE 23
customers out in the field, on the job and in the elements every day. It's easy to get caught up in vendor meetings, product specs, and what looks good on paper, but perfor- mance in true Alaska conditions is what truly matters. What do you love most about this business? The connection to Alaskans. We don’t just sell gear; we outfit peo - ple for the realities of life and work in Alaska. There’s something incredi- bly rewarding about knowing the products we provide help people stay safe, warm, and productive in some of the harshest conditions in the world. Where do you see mining and resource development in Alaska in 50 years? Looking ahead , I’m confident mining and resource development will continue to drive Alaska’s economy and support its com- munities. Alaska has some of the world’s most valuable resourc-
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The Alaska Miner
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Sandvik is proud to support
Multi-Generational Miners: Usibelli Coal Mine
Usibelli Coal Mine's 2025 reclamation crew is made up entirely of multi-generational coal miners.
Inspiring a generational commitment to Alaska
of the coal mine and participate in board meetings to influence company decisions. Their involvement reflects ongoing participation by multiple generations in the management and direction of the company over the past 80 years. From supplying 10,000 tons of coal to Ladd Army Airfield in 1943 to delivering more than 1 million tons annually to six power plants across
and community stewardship. The company is now led by Emil’s grandson, Joe Usibelli Jr., who serves as president. The tradition of fami- ly leadership continues through the involvement of Joe’s brother, Mitch Usibelli, and Shelley Helzer, Emil’s granddaughter and daughter of the late Rosalie Whyle. Both serve on UCM’s board of directors. All of Emil’s descendants serve as shareholders
Usibelli Coal Mine (UCM) began in 1943 when Emil Usibelli, an Italian immigrant, started mining coal in Healy to help meet the energy needs of Interior Alaska during World War II. What started as a small, fami- ly-run operation has grown into Alas- ka’s only operating coal mine. Today, we continue to power communities, embrace innovation, and uphold a lasting commitment to environmental
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The Alaska Miner
Summer 2025
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