Multi-Generational Miners: Alaska Minerals
Michael Smith, Kirsten Lane and Mike Smith at the AMA Convention.
Serving Alaska's miners for over four decades
or Tim Dugenia — both cornerstones of the operation. Brian’s been with the company for nearly two decades, serving as the operations manager and keeping things running like clockwork at their Wasilla base, affectionate - ly known as Buttercup. It’s here that camps are packed, gear gets sorted, and projects are launched across the state. Brian also heads up a lot of field installations, which are the true
frailty and being built like a porcelain doll, he’s moved away from working in the field doing camp installations to overseeing the paperwork side of things. And while he’s not technically a Jr., that’s what everyone calls him — a nickname he’s never loved but hasn’t been able to shake. If you’ve worked with AkMin for any length of time, you’ve like- ly crossed paths with Brian Houglum
How long have you been in business, who founded the company and who are the leaders now? Alaska Minerals — or AkMin, for shorthand — was founded back in 1985 by Mike Smith, a true hands-on operator who still oversees nearly every detail of the business. These days, he’s got backup. His son, Michael, has tak- en on much of the day-to-day heavy lifting, but only in the office. Due to his
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The Alaska Miner
Summer 2025
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