In this summer issue of The Alaska Miner, we are telling the stories of multi-generational mining families in the Last Frontier. On the following pages, you’ll hear their stories, in their own words, of what it means to their families to continue the traditions involved across our great state and vital industry.
Multi-Generational Miners: Usibelli Coal Mine
Interior Alaska today, we have grown into a technologically advanced operation. While remaining true to our roots, we continue to invest in innovation to improve efficiency and environmental performance. These efforts help save Alaskan ratepayers more than $273 million each year by providing a reliable and affordable, locally sourced fuel. A cornerstone of our environmen- tal commitment is our award-win- ning reclamation program, and at its heart is our dedicated reclamation team. Each summer, we plant more than 15,000 trees and bring on recent high school graduates and college students to help restore mined lands. Many of these students are children or grandchildren of current or former employees. In fact, our 2025 recla- mation crew is made up entirely of multi-generational coal miners. This year’s team is led by Ca- leb Graham, a fifth-generation coal miner whose father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncles and cousins have all worked at UCM. Caleb was hired full-time in 2024 after graduat- ing from UAF’s College of Engineering and Mines and is one of the newest members of our engineering depart- ment. Before joining full-time, he spent two summers working on the reclamation team and three years in- terning with the engineering depart- ment while pursuing his degree. Joining Caleb this summer are Alec and Evelyn “Evie” Helzer, fourth-generation Usibelli family members and great-grandchildren of our founder, Emil Usibelli. Alec recently earned a master’s degree in Land and Property Development from Texas A&M University, and Evie is currently studying Marine Science at Eckerd College. Also on the team are Melanie Ran- dall and Kayla Mayo, both graduates of Tri-Valley High School. Melanie, a second-generation coal miner, is studying psychology at Utah State University. Her parents both work CONTINUED on PAGE 28
Caleb Graham comes from a long line of Alaska miners.
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
www.AlaskaMiners.org
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