A Brief History of Mining Day
Then-Gov. Sean Parnell signed the first Alaska Mining Day proclamation in 2013 recognizing the annual honor for Alaska miners first sponsored by Sen. Cathy Giessel.
Established in 2013, Alaska Mining Day was created through legislation sponsored by Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, “to recognize and honor the intrepid individuals and industry that played an enormous role in settling and developing the territory and the state and that continue to contribute to the economy of the state.” During, before and since her service in the Alaska Senate, Cathy has been an active supporter of and regular attendee of Alaska Mining Association events and concerns. We thank her for creating this unique opportunity to both celebrate our legacy and to educate all Alaskans of the value of responsible mining to our state. On May 10, 1872, the General Mining Act of the United States was approved — it governs mineral development on federal lands. This law has been amended more than 50 times, but its essential principles remain in place: If a citizen explores federal public land not otherwise designated as a park, refuge, or other protected status, and with their own energy, intellect, finances, and hard work finds a valuable mineral deposit, that citizen, after obtaining the required environmental and operating permits, has the right to develop that deposit.
Alaska has a rich mining history, with its roots in the mining of copper, jade, and gold by Alaska Natives long before the famous gold rushes brought miners, adventurers, merchants, and their families north to follow their dreams. Their interest and pursuit of minerals ultimately built towns, roads, ports, and railroads in what was then the Territory of Alaska. Today, mining is a top economic driver for our state. Alaska’s six large mines, hundreds of placer mines, and dozens of exploration projects provide for 11,400 jobs with an average annual wage of $130,000, twice the state average. These jobs employ residents in more than 90 communities throughout Alaska, more than half of which are in rural areas where there are few other job opportunities. In 2022, our mines contributed nearly $170 million in local and state government revenues, spent $1 billion with 450 Alaska vendors, and paid $266 million to Alaska Native Corporations throughout the state. Mining truly “works” for Alaska and is a significant portion of our state’s economic portfolio. Today, as Alaska faces staggering fiscal challenges, it is imperative that we explore how mining in Alaska can grow and increase the benefits realized by residents, businesses, governments, and Alaska Native entities.
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May 2023 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
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