Alaska Miner Journal, September 2020

THE ALASKA MINER JOURNAL: The publication is member-only news mailed to AMA members, eight times a year, in months when the Magazine is not published. The Alaska Miner Journal is dedicated to those who work in and support the mining industry in Alaska, its commitment to the people, and the resources of our state. Our goal is to disseminate information on responsible mineral development, educating the public about the value of mining, providing information for our membership and the general public, providing policymakers the information they need to understand the mining industry and monitor political and regulatory processes affecting mining in Alaska.

Coal mining since 1943.

September 2020 Volume 48, Number 9

Journal of the Alaska Miners Association

While November’s Annual Convention has been canceled, the Alaska Miners Association is still committed to offering virtual presentations on operations, projects, field programs, policies, politics, technical topics and more. Read more on Page 6.

Annual Convention Goes Virtual

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www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I September 2020

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Members, Now into September, field seasons are winding down and election season is fully underway. The Aug. 18 primary election results brought some upsets, if you’ll pardon the sports analogy, in which longtime legislators lost their reelections and new candidates emerged. The results of the Nov. 3 general election stand to greatly alter the landscape of the Alaska Legislature one way or another. One thing is for sure, there will be a lot of new faces to introduce ourselves to. I’m taking most of this column to thank the following individuals for their outstanding service to Alaska and support of Alaska’s miners: Sen. John Coghill, who for longer than I can remember, has championed policies that

across the finish line in the waning days of the session recessed for COVID-19. Rep. Chuck Kopp, a commercial fisherman who insisted that resource industries coexist and dismissed claims alleging otherwise. A quote from his op-ed late last year discussing concerns about the mining industry in Alaska: “It seems much of the angst is based on either a perceived favorable bias of the regulatory system toward industry, a bias against natural resource extraction in general or a zero- sum game view that says you must “trade one resource for another” which precludes the possibility of success for more than one resource.” And, “Alaska is a paragon for the world because of our long history of mining, oil and gas industries co-existing

support economic development to better Alaska. He didn’t just make this a platform – he made it his mission to know every technical detail down to the citation in law or regulation of whatever issue was being contemplated to inform his decisions. I loved that you could sit down with him on a complex issue and not have to take 30 minutes explaining the background because he had researched it himself (and more often than not knew it better). Senator Coghill led efforts to better policies like wetlands mitigation, reasonable water regulations, litigation reform, and so much more. Sen. Cathy Giessel received AMA’s first Legislator of the Year Award. A nurse by training, she dove headfirst into the complex issues that faced Legislators at the time of her first election. She did this by attending every possible educational opportunity offered by industry organizations and always asking the hard questions to get to a full understanding. I remain amazed at her constant pursuit of information to ensure she was equipped to debate the merits of proposals in committee and on the Senate Floor. You’ll recall she led efforts to establish Alaska Mining Day, enroll Alaska as a member of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission, and consistently authored letters to ensure the integrity of the permitting process. Rep. Jennifer Johnston endeared me at our first meeting by saying, “Look, I’m an education gal, but Chris Birch told me how important mining is so I need to learn more.” Since that day she consistently sought answers on how mining can play a role in Alaska’s economy. This past session, she ensured that SB155, the mineral tenure bill, received the necessary hearings in House Finance to move the bill

with fisheries, wildlife and other habitat users. Today, you can’t find better regulated, higher performing resource extraction industries anywhere in the world.” Rep. Kopp sponsored Tier 3 waters legislation, which put him in a hotbed of controversy, but he continued to remind the public about the strength of our regulatory process and the coexistence of resources to grow Alaska’s opportunities. I know Alaskans came down on both sides of these political races for various reasons, but we can unequivocally say these individuals had Alaska’s miners at heart throughout their state service, and we certainly owe them our gratitude. THANK YOU. In addition, Reps. John Lincoln, Colleen Sullivan-Leonard and Dave Talerico retired from their offices and did not run for reelection in 2020. Like the others, these folks recognized the contributions and value of mining in Alaska, and we’re so grateful for their service. Enjoy your well-deserved “retirement!” The primary election demonstrated what we’ve all said for so long: elections matter! Please, ensure you are informed and engaged on critical issues facing Alaska and get out and vote on Nov. 3. Be well,

Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director

Executive Board Bill Jeffress, President SRK Consulting, Anchorage Bartly Kleven, First Vice President Kinross-Fort Knox, Fairbanks Lorali Simon, Second Vice President Kim Aasand, Treasurer Aasand & Glore LLC, Anchorage

Branch Chairmen Ted Hawley, Anchorage Lorali Simon, Denali Mark Huffington, Fairbanks

The Alaska Miner is the official journal of the Alaska Miners Association, published eight times a year exclusively to our members.

It is published in partnership with the Alaska Miners Association by Fireweed Strategies LLC, 4849 Potter Crest Circle, Anchorage, AK 99516.

Liz Cornejo, Haines Jim Clark, Juneau

We actively seek contributions from our members and the mining industry. Please email story ideas and photos to Lee Leschper. Advertising Rates and New Tips For advertising information, or to submit news, story ideas and photos, call or email Lee Leschper at 907-957-6025 or Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com Alaska Miners Association Staff Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director Darlene Strickland, Bookkeeper/Membership

Houston Morris, Kenai Blake Bogart, Nome Andrew Spokely, Ketchikan/Prince of Wales

Committee Chairmen Kevin Adler, Convention Howard Grey and JP Tangen, Federal Oversight Paul Glavinovich, State Oversight

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AMA Convention Goes Virtual!

A s readers know, the AMA Convention and Executive Committees made the difficult decision to cancel the Annu- al Convention and Trade Show scheduled for Nov. 1-7, 2020 at the Dena’ina Center in An- chorage. We are all greatly saddened to lose our yearly gathering to network, generate business opportunities, and seeing our AMA family. But we simply had no other choice than to keep safety in mind and adhere to the ever-changing health guidelines. The AMA Board of Directors, Convention Committee and staff want to express our most heartfelt thanks at the outpouring of support we received from our miners after the announcement. You assured us it was the right decision and thanked us for the due diligence in researching all options. You expressed the desire to keep the organization and mission strong and offered financial and technical support to ensure we can keep advocating for Alaska’s miners. We are so grateful. Following the announcement, the AMA Convention Committee convened a planning meeting to brainstorm what aspects of the convention could be held virtually. We know many of you have “Zoom fatigue” and we know that absolutely nothing can take the place of our in- person gatherings. But, we also heard that much is happening in our industry and there are stories to tell — even if they have to be told virtually. So we will do so. Please watch your email and the AMA website for this information, and please plan to join us, no suit and tie required, the week of Nov. 2. AMA Convention via ZOOM powered by GCI! The virtual convention will use ZOOM technology — make sure have yours set up so you’re ready to participate! It’s easy — visit zoom.us to download the software on your device or desktop. Closer to then, AMA will conduct training sessions to ensure all members are able to enjoy the convention sessions. THANK YOU to GCI for its sponsorship of AMA’s master ZOOM account that hosts our virtual events!

Please make sure you are on AMA’s email list to get Convention Updates! Email ama@alaskaminers.org.

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Presentations AMA is pursuing the most sought after talks on operations, projects, field programs, politics, and more! These will be in small chunks of time throughout the week to prevent the dreaded virtual meeting fatigue! Short Courses Our Committee is working to finalize the short courses you have come to depend on, with learning credits and curriculum. Core Shack, Prospector’s Tent & Claim Post There’s a “silver” lining in terms of a virtual event this year — we’ve taken advantage of the opportunity to expand the offerings of the core shack, prospector’s tent and claim post. Please watch for further details on how you can participate in this online event! MSHA Training Many of you rely on the MSHA trainings as part of the convention. Not to fret: MAPTS is offering them via Zoom on a continuous basis! See https://uaf.edu/mapts. Elections Week! Stay tuned for coverage leading to the 2020 General Election on Nov. 3, including a hosted Elections Watch Party for AMA members! Regards, Kevin Adler, Convention Committee Chairman Deantha Skibinski, AMA Executive Director Jennifer Luiten, AMA Membership and Fundraising Director

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Pebble Limited Partnership: Letter Part of ‘Normal’ Permitting

since the end of July conducting additional wetlands surveys to provide us with additional information to include in our plan. “Once the draft LEDPA was determined, the USACE began to focus on its conclusions regarding mitigation needs. It is our understanding that these issues were reviewed with other agencies including EPA and USFWS. We were informed about six weeks ago of how the USACE was leaning regarding mitigation. We began at that time focusing on a preliminary plan. We built two temporary camps in the watershed housing a total of about 25 people. A number of teams from those camps have been mapping the wetlands in the region for about four weeks now. “Based on our understanding of the substance of the letter, our discussions with the state, our substantial work in the field and our discussions with the USACE we believe our final Comprehensive Management Plan submission will be submitted within weeks and will satisfy all of the requirements of the letter. “Anyone suggesting a different opinion—i.e. that Pebble will not be able to comply with the letter or that such

compliance will significantly delay issuing a ROD— must be ignorant of the extensive preparation we have undertaken in order to meet the requirements of the letter. “We will share more details of our initial plan as they become more defined.” Ryan Fisher, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, one of the senior leaders responsible for the USACE, clarified that the Alaska District letter is the “guiding policy” for the federal review for Pebble and “not a press release from the Army that used stronger language against the project or other political noise in opposition to it.” “It is my hope that we can now get back to reporting about the facts when it comes to Pebble. We will provide the necessary mitigation and in fact we are well down the road to doing so. The final Environmental Impact Statement says Pebble development won’t damage the fishery in Bristol Bay. Thus, we see no scientific or regulatory reason why we should not have a positive record of decision on the project,” Collier said.

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) sent a letter to the Pebble Partnership in late August outlining its expectations for compensatory mitigation wetlands impacts associated with the project. The letter from the USACE has been anticipated by the Pebble Partnership as part of the ongoing discussions about the issue. PLP CEO Tom Collier issued the following statement about the letter and media reports about its contents: “The letter we received is a normal letter in the permitting process and we are well into an effort to present a mitigation plan to the USACE that complies with the requirements of their letter. A clear reading of the letter shows it is entirely unrelated to recent tweets about Pebble and one-sided news shows. The White House had nothing to do with the letter nor is it the show-stopper described by several in the news media over the weekend. “The letter does not ask for a delay or pause in the permitting process. In fact, it clearly states that the USACE is continuing its work toward a Record of Decision for the project. This is the next step in what has

been a comprehensive, exhaustive two-and-a-half-year review of the project. Nothing in the letter is a surprise to us or them. “The letter does not ask for ‘more’ or ‘additional’ mitigation. This is the first time the USACE has put its formal assessment regarding mitigation for the Pebble Project on the record. Thus, it is a ‘first’ request, not a new or additional one and it is in line with what we anticipated. “The USACE has identified the wetlands and stream impacts at the project mine site to include about 3000 acres of wetlands and about 100 miles of streams. The USACE has stated that the mitigation must be ‘in kind’ and ‘in watershed.’ In order to provide such mitigation Pebble intends to include in its CMP a plan to preserve enough land so that multiples of the number of impacted wetlands acres are preserved. Additional mitigation will also be provided for the transportation corridor. “We have been working on the details of a plan with the USACE and the State of Alaska since earlier in the summer. We have had crews in the field near the site

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House, Senate Leaderships in Question After Elections

The primary election was a bloodletting among Republican leaders, and while Republicans may command House and Senate organizations next year there may not be organizations that prove very functional in key decision-making. There’s still a general election in front of us but the Senate appears to have a likely split of seven Democrats and nine “regular” Republicans, with four Republicans as a part of the present Senate coalition (Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof and Bishop). The question is what these four choose to do, and if they are brought into the new Republican organization, and on what basis. The core nine Republicans: The Senate Republican majority at this time (pre-general election) would seem to include: Senators Mia Costello, Anchorage; Josh Revak, Anchorage; Lora Reinbold, Eagle River; Mike Shower, Mat-Su; David Wilson, Mat-Su; Shelley Hughes, Mat-Su; Peter Micciche, of Kenai; incoming Sen. Robert Myers of Fairbanks (replacing Sen. Coghill) and incoming Sen. Roger Holland, of Anchorage (replacing Sen. Giessel). What the Senate leadership will really look like is unclear. However, it will likely be linked closely to Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his druthers. The House could be closely split: In the 40-member House there appears to be a solid core of 17 Democrats and a solid core of 16 Republicans, but with seven members in the middle who were part of the present House coalition or are in races in contest in November. The best that Democrats can do is 20 members, which would leave the House split 20-20. There are three highly competitive races in the general election: Between Rep. Mel Gillis, R-Anchorage (appointed), in District 25 in midtown Anchorage, and Democratic challenger Calvin Schrage; a race in Anchorage District 15, where Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux lost to

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The future for the governor While we have a general election in front of us, it is likely Gov. Dunleavy will have his way in most cases on legislation. Still, those House and Senate Republicans that survived the bloodletting will have a say, if they wish. Senate survivors have four-year terms in front of them, and House survivors will be up for election in two years as will Gov. Dunleavy. Organizations tip toward Mat-Su No doubt House and Senate leaderships will tip toward Mat-Su House and Senate members. Of the nine non-coalition Republican senators four come from the Mat- Su. Practical politics suggests that present House and Senate coalition members will be drawn into the regular Republican majorities, but

Republican challenger David Nelson. He will face Democrat Frank Lynn in the General Election. This is a toss- up race in a district where turnout is usually very low. There is also a highly competitive race in East Anchorage District 27 between Republican House Minority Leader Lance Pruitt and Democratic challenger Liz Snyder. In 2018 only 200 votes separated these two. In the primary Pruitt polled 1,919 and Snyder 1,904. There is also a seat left open in District 6, Interior Alaska. There are also several other seats left open in Anchorage due to the defeat of House Coalition Rules Chair Chuck Kopp, a Republican, and that of House Coalition Finance Chair Jennifer Johnston, also a Republican. However, these are likely to be filled by Republicans.

the question is on what basis.

The rhetoric of the super dividend In the coming election debates we may hear a lot of rhetoric about the Permanent Fund dividend, the so-called “pfd,” as well as the governor’s super dividend (making up past shortages under the formula). However, this may not fit well with the percentage of market draw (5%) from the unallocated Earnings Reserve of the Permanent Fund. Our appetite for a “pay me now,” dividend and the ability of the Permanent Fund to support both the dividend and public services may be at risk in the decisions of the next two years.

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Sen. Cathy Giessel, center, volunteering on behalf of AMA at Mining Day at the State Fair 2018. Giessel, sitting president of the Alaska Senate and a longtime active member of AMA and advocate for Alaska mining, was one of nine Alaska Republican incumbents defeated in the August Republican primary. Lee Leschper photo

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2020 Donlin Gold Backhaul Project to Remove E-Waste

For the third year in a row, multiple entities and tribes are coming together to assist Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region villages with the removal of harmful e-waste. The goal of the effort is to safely dispose of electronics and other materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. The barge owned and operated by the Native Village of Napaimute visited communities along the Kuskokwim River the last week of August to safely collect e-waste materials, including discarded computers, television sets, old batteries and more. Other communities were scheduled to have materials flown to Bethel during the first two weeks of September. Mark Leary and the Native Village of Napaimute were instrumental in the winter backhaul program on the Kuskokwim River ice road. Tribal administrators in each of the communities have agreed to assist with coordination to ensure e-waste materials are properly packaged and brought to the barge for collection. These items will then be taken to Bethel for storage, repackaging and shipment to Anchorage for safe disposal. In recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic and with consultation with each participating community, safety measures have been updated to include social distancing, face masks and sanitization practices to

protect all involved in the program. “This project is essential to promote the health and safety of our region. This partnership will benefit 10 villages along the Kuskokwim River as well as the coast,” said Rosalie Kalistook, Environmental Project Manager for the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP). Delta Backhaul Company, a solid waste consulting company, has worked closely with AVCP and Donlin Gold over the past three years to assist with logistics and transportation planning for the Kuskokwim Regional Household Hazardous Waste Backhaul program. The 2019 season consisted of two major backhaul collection events, the first serving seven villages located near Bethel and utilizing the ice roads for transportation to and from the villages. The team traveled to each of the continued on Page 16

Photos Courtesy Donlin Gold

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2020 Donlin Gold Backhaul Project to Remove E-Waste

continued from Page 14

each community will be dependent on weather. The 2020 Donlin Gold Backhaul Project would not be possible without numerous main partners: AVCP, Delta Backhaul and the Orutsararmiut Native Council. Donlin would also like to thank our community and business partners: Akiak Native Community Aniak Traditional Council City of Bethel Crooked Creek Traditional Council Eek Traditional Council Kongiganak Traditional Council Kwigillingok IRA Council Native Village of Kwinhagak Native Village of Napakiak Red Devil Community Sleetmute Traditional Council Stony River Traditional Council Alaska Commercial Company Alaska Marine Lines Brice Civil Constructors, Inc. Grant Aviation Native Village of Napaimute NovaGold Ryan Air Donlin Gold LLC is an Alaska company that is owned by NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska Inc., a subsidiary of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES Inc., and Barrick Gold U.S. Inc., a subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation. Donlin Gold is working with NOVAGOLD Resources, Barrick Gold Corporation and Alaska Native landowners, The Kuskokwim Corporation and Calista Corporation, to build a gold mining project near Donlin Creek in the Yukon-

villages selected for the spring program and provided free collection of household hazardous materials and solid waste. The second collection was a summer Bethel community event that provided the same services for participating Bethel residents. Both programs offered door prizes and food to celebrate the diversion of these materials from the local landfills, which resulted in the protection of subsistence resources and clean drinking water. 117,500 pounds of e-waste was collected and shipped to Seattle and Anchorage for recycling or disposal from the two events in 2019. “Our priority is to help improve the wellbeing and safety of residents in the Y-K area and this program is one of the ways we can contribute to improving the environment for all residing along the Kuskokwim River,” said Kristina Woolston, External Affairs Manager for Donlin Gold. The 2020 Donlin Gold Backhaul Project: In it for the Long Haul will be visiting the communities of: Red Devil, Sleetmute, Stony River, Aniak, Crooked Creek, Kwigillingok, Kongiganak, Quinhagak, Eek, Akiak and Napakiak in addition to a separate collection event scheduled to take place in Bethel on Sept. 9. Dates for Whether you need geophysical, geological or exploration support services, our ideas, experience and northern expertise mean you’ll have the best thinking on your project. Go ahead – pick our brains.

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Milton Behr Passes Away At Age 72

we share mining news He was proficient in almost all sports being from a small community, but his favorite was basketball. He attended the College of Southern Idaho and later the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He was a lifelong learner, taking classes throughout his life, always interested in learning something new or expanding on something he already knew. Milton Douglas Behr reached the end of his colorful and adventurous trail April 10, 2020, at age 72. He left us suddenly, quite unexpectedly — and way too soon — from cardiac arrest. Behr was born in Gooding, Idaho, on Friday 13, 1948, to Maxwell E. Behr and Alice C. Crane. He was proud to be a “Friday the 13th baby,” and 13 was always his lucky number. He and his four sisters grew up in the small farming community of Richfield, Idaho, where his high school graduating class was a total of just 19. Growing up on the farm he and his sisters learned the value of hard work, family and community. His mother was a first-grade school teacher and his father, in addition to the farm, owned a gas station.

He joined the Air National Guard in 1968 and later while living in Phoenix learned to fly and got his private pilot’s license. After service in the Guard and a tour of Europe in 1974, he came back to Alaska and never left. He

build the Alaska pipeline. He owned and operated his own business, Behr Alaska Trucking and Excavating, for 12 years, building roads, driveways, putting in septic systems, excavating and doing foundation work in the Fairbanks/Ester area. After his children were born, he made the decision to no longer work out of town and took a job at the city power plant. He was proud to have been a 50-year member of Local 302 Operating Engineers. After retiring, he did consulting work, setting up construction trades programs in high schools, bush villages and the University of Alaska rural campuses, helping many young people get a start in the construction industry with good-paying jobs. He was very active in youth athletics and helped build a number of parks and ball fields in Alaska. Milt served as the vice chair and then the chairman of the United Way of the Tanana Valley. He was a member of the FNSB Economic Development Council and served on the Governor’s Safety Council, Executive Council for Boy Scouts, Tanana Valley State Forest Citizens’ Advisory Committee and the FNSB Land

Management Advisory Commission. Milt was a lifetime member of the Alaska Trappers Association, a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, UAF Alumni, Tanana Yukon Historical Society, Pioneers of Alaska Igloo No. 8 and the Alaska Miners Association. Milt had traveled most of the state of Alaska over the years and enjoyed Alaska history and particularly the history of mining. He was very active in the Alaska Miners Association, particularly the small miners group. He was an active small miner himself for many years and had mined in the Alaska Range, Eureka and Ester. His greatest love, though, was his family, and he was extremely proud of his two children, Shawn and Macey, and what they have accomplished. His seven grandchildren could light up his day like nothing else. In memory of Milt’s life, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Golden Heart Community Foundation at P.O. Box 73183, Fairbanks, Alaska 99707 or to the Ester Community Park at P.O. Box 14, Ester, Alaska 99725.

fell in love with Alaska and met and fell in love with his wife, Lisa, about the same time. They were married in 1977. He and Lisa spent 45 years together, building a home together and raising a family. Most of his working life was in construction and mining. He worked as a heavy equipment operator, mechanic and foreman, operating all types of equipment and truly was a master operator. He worked in Fairbanks, all over Prudhoe Bay on the North Slope, Coldfoot, Atigun Pass and Delta helping Behr

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September 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org

www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I September 2020

Biden Says He Would Stop Pebble Project

Corporate Members

Please support and thank these companies who have renewed their support and corporate membership in AMA. Their continued support makes possible all the work we do in and for the mining industry. A & D Drilling ACZ Laboratories Inc. Advanced Supply Chain International LLC AECOM Ahtna Inc. AIDEA Alaska Aggregate Products LLC Alaska Business City of Ketchikan Coastal Helicopters Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine Colaska Colorado Mining Association Columbia River Carbonates CONAM Construction Company ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. Hy-Tech Drilling USA Ltd. IBEW Local 1547 Idaho Mining Association Industrial Pumps of Alaska Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada RAM Enterprise, Inc.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said that if he’s elected, his administration would stop the Pebble Mine Project in the Bristol Bay region of Southwest Alaska. While Alaska is not normally mentioned prominently in a presidential election, the Pebble Project in particular and resource development in the state in general is one clear place where Biden and current Republican President Donald Trump disagree strongly. The former vice president said the Bristol Bay salmon fishery is an economic powerhouse that should be given priority over mining and protected for Alaska Natives and fishermen. “It is no place for a mine,” he said in a statement to news media. “The Obama-Biden Administration reached that conclusion when we ran a rigorous, science-based process in 2014, and it is still true today.” The Trump administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have rolled back preemptive decisions under the Obama administration to halt the project in 2014. The Pebble Project received final EIS decision this summer and has reached a number of key milestones in 2020 toward begin work on the mine. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last month released a final environmental review of the project, potentially setting

the stage for the agency to issue a key permit for construction as early as this month. The agency could also reject the permit, or issue one with restrictions. Donald Trump Jr., who has fished in the Bristol Bay region, has said in a tweet that he opposes the mine prospect because the Bristol Bay region is “too unique and fragile” to put at risk. President Trump, who has consistently supported resource development in Alaska and has shepherded a number of key decisions favorable to Alaska miners, has said he’d listen to both sides of the argument. Biden has claimed that Trump has not listened to scientists and experts about the dangers of the mine. “Now, Alaskan culture, traditions, and jobs are on the line,” Biden said. “As president, I will do what President Trump has failed to do: listen to the scientists and experts to protect Bristol Bay — and all it offers to Alaska, our country, and the world.” The recently released Corps review found no issues with Pebble’s current plan, saying the mine “would not be expected to have a measurable effect on fish numbers and result in long-term changes to the health of the commercial fisheries in Bristol Bay.” Portions of this story were originally reported by the Associated Press

Redpath USA Corporation Remote Made Easy (PSSA) Remote Site Services Inc. Resolution Minerals Ltd Resource Development Council Rotak Helicopter Services Royal Gold Inc. Ruen Drilling Inc. Samson Tug & Barge Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology Satellite Technical Service Shoreside Petroleum Inc. Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Soloy Helicopters LLC Sophie Station Suites - Fountainhead Hotels Sound Quarry Inc. Southeast Conference SRK Consulting Stantec Consulting Inc. Stinson LLP Stoel Rives LLP Sumitomo Metal Mining America Swick Drilling North America T & J Enterprises Inc. Taiga Mining Company Inc. TDX Corporation Teck Alaska Inc. - Red Dog Temsco Helicopters Inc. The Alaska Support Industry Alliance The Silver Institute TOTE Maritime Alaska Inc. Trilogy Metals, Inc. Tyler Rental Inc. U.S. Ecology University Redi-Mix Usibelli Coal Mine Inc. Utah Mining Association Visit Anchorage Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Western Alaska Copper & Gold Company Western Pacific Crane & Equipment White Rock Minerals Ltd. Wolseley Industrial Group Women’s Mining Coalition World Trade Center Alaska Wyoming Mining Association Yukon Chamber of Mines Zonge International Inc.

Institute of Northern Engineering International Directional Services Ipop LLC Juneau Economic Development Council Kinross - Fort Knox Klondike Placer Miners’ Association Knight Piesold & Company Lignite Energy Council Lynden Madison Lumber & Hardware Inc. Mascott Equipment Company Metco Alaska LLC MFCP/Jackovich Millrock Resources Inc. Montana Mining Association Motion Industries, Inc. NANA National EWP National Mining Association Nevada Mining Association New Mexico Mining Association North Star Terminal & Stevedore Co. LLC Northern Air Cargo Northern ANI Northern Industrial Training, LLC (Anchorage) Northern Industrial Training, LLC (Palmer) Northern Sonic Drilling and Consulting Northern Star (Pogo) LLC Northrim Bank Northspan Drilling Ltd. Northwest Mine Supply Northwest Territories & Nunavut Chamber of Mines Nova Minerals Limited NovaGold Resources Inc. Orica USA Inc. Oxford Assaying & Refining Pace Analytical Labs Pacific Rim Chemicals Pathfinder Aviation, LLC Pebble Limited Partnership Perkins Coie LLP Petro Marine Services PND Engineers Inc. PolarX Limited Property Rights Foundation of America, Inc.

Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. Construction Machinery Industrial LLC Consumer Energy Alliance Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) Craig Taylor Equipment Company Crowley Fuels LLC Cummins Sales & Service Dawson City Chamber of Commerce Delta Industrial Services Inc. Denali Industrial Supply Inc. Donlin Gold LLC Dorsey & Whitney LLP DOWL Dowland-Bach Corp Doyon, Limited DXP Alaska Pump & Supply Eastern Oregon Mining Association Ecological Land Services Inc. Energy Laboratories Inc. Equipment Source, Inc. ERM Alaska ESS Support Services Everts Air Cargo F.R. Bell & Associates, Inc. Fairweather LLC First Bank First Things First Alaska Foundation Flanders Inc. (Electrical Services) Frontier Supply Company Geotemps Inc. Global Equipment Services Gold Buyers of Alaska -dba: GBA Assaying & Refining Granite Construction Company Graphite One Inc. Graymont Great Northwest Inc. Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Hagglunds Products and Solutions, a Bosch Company HDR HighGold Mining Ltd Holland America Line - Princess Cruises Hyak Mining Company

Alaska Coastal Aggregates LLC Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agricultural Bank Alaska Forest Association Alaska Frontier Constructors Inc. Alaska Industrial Hardware Alaska Land Exploration, LLC Alaska Policy Forum Alaska Power & Telephone Company Alaska Railroad Corporation Alaska Resource Education Alaska Rock Products Association Alaska Roteq Alaska State Chamber of Commerce Alaska Trucking Association Ambler Metals LLC American Exploration & Mining Association American Land Rights Association Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Anchorage Sand & Gravel Inc. Arctic Pipe and Utilities Arcticom LLC, a BSNC Company Arizona Mining Association Aspen Hotels of Alaska Associated General Contractors of Alaska Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia Aurora Geosciences (Alaska) Ltd. Automatic Welding & Supply Technical Center Bobcat of Juneau Boyer Towing Inc. Brenntag Pacific Brice Inc. Builders Choice Modular, LLC C & R Pipe and Steel Inc. CalCIMA Calista Corporation Carlile Chamber of Mines of Eastern British Columbia Chugach Alaska Corporation Avidian Gold Corporation AVTEC - Alaska Vocational

New and Renewing Members

Thank you to all the AMA corporate and individual members who joined or renewed their membership to the association in July. You make AMA possible! Corporations Alaska Power & Telephone Company Alaska Roteq Zonge International Inc. Norman Carlson John Davies Joe Kurtak Ann Lambert Daniel M Lee Robert Onstott Kellan Osborne

Operator Susie Ripley

Steve Dick Ben Eaton Larry Eaton Judd & Gail Edgerton Nick Enos Alex Fritz Bruce M Gamble Michael Garrett Judy Geraghty Christopher Gerteisen Jon Hager Bruce Hellenga Jerry Hill Chris Johnson Jeremiah Kalinauskas Tim J. Kelly Lucky Kirkendoll

Amber Parra John Pennell Levi Prince James Protzman Chris Puchner Steven Rushford Rick Sandoval Ted Schachle Patrick Smith Tony Steenhoff Joel M Stratman Eric Tasker & Joan Travostino Jiro Uesugi Vince Van Vurn Ray Warner Jeff Wray

Sarah Lefebvre Michael Lehman Lee Leschper William Loskutoff John Lukens Michael & Martha Mackowiak Joan Marrs Kit Marrs Jamie Marunde Don Maupin Dan May Melody C Mcallister

Arctic Pipe and Utilities Arcticom LLC, a BSNC Company Calista Corporation Columbia River Carbonates CONAM Construction Company Dorsey & Whitney LLP Doyon, Limited Energy Laboratories Inc. Global Equipment Services Northwest Mine Supply Nova Minerals Limited Orica USA Inc. Swick Drilling North America University Redi-Mix Western Alaska Copper & Gold Company

Professional James Barker

Mike Buchanan Douglas Cook Thomas C & Elizabeth Crafford Doug Myers Sue Karl & Steve Teller

Individuals Tony Barajas John F Barry Mark Berger F Lynn Blystone Alba Brice Blaze Brooks Eric Cannon

Jill McLeod Jamie Meier Jim Minter Donald & Judith Mullikin

Cara Wright Varina Zinno

Dale Kissee Tisha Kuhns

Duane Nixon Sarah Obed

Not yet a member of the Alaska Miners Association? Or have not yet renewed your membership for 2020? Renew today so you don’t miss a single issue of The Alaska Miner or this year’s 2020 Alaska Miners Handbook and Service Directory, available only to AMA members. Call or email Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director 907-270-9232. jennifer@AlaskaMiners.org.

September 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org

www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I September 2020

Alaskans serving Alaskans Celebrating 40 years Oxford is proud to be the only gold rener and bullion dealer to maintain two locations in Alaska for more than 40 years. We offer maximum returns on gold and silver, whether you’re a miner or an investor. Buying, selling, or trading – Oxford provides the service, value, honesty, and integrity that Alaskans have counted on for generations.

Alaska Mining Calendar

Alaska Earth Sciences Comprehensive Geologic Services

AMA events and

At-Home guidelines issued previously.

meetings, as well as most public events in Alaska, were canceled in line with the governor’s Stay-

p Geologic Consulting p Geologic Staffing p Geological Engineering p Reporting (including 43-101) p Logistics/Operation Coordination p Remote Site Management p GIS Services • Geologic Consulting • Geologic Staffing • Geologic Engineering • Reporting (including 43-101) • Logistics/Operation Coordination • Remote Site Management • GIS Services • Permitting Assistance • Community Engagement • Claims Staking • Claims Administration • Equipment Rental p Permitting Assistance p Community Engagement p Claims Staking p Claims Administration p Equipment Rental

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Check for updates and new events to come at AlaskaMiners.org.

Alaska Earth Sciences Comprehensive Geologic Services

AMA Branch Meetings

p Geologic Consulting p Geologic Staffing p Geological Engineering p Reporting (including 43-101) p Logistics/Operation Coordination p Remote Site Management p GIS Services

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For Sale: Turnkey Placer Mine

Located Near Ruby, Alaska

13 State of Alaska mining claims, comprising 760 acres, for sale with turnkey mining operation on Greenstone Creek, Ruby Mining District, Alaska. Road accessible ~35 miles from Ruby. Producing gold by current owners since 2016 from very shallow placer deposit. Complete equipment kit includes trommel, conveyors, dozers, excavators, loaders, pumps, gensets, 10 cy dump truck, 2.5 ton truck, and 7 person camp. Permitted through 2023. Sale price for all is USD$1,000,000. No JVs, partial payments, or promoters. Please contact: Ed Alfke at 1-(403) 831-3939 for more information.

operations@coastalhelicopters.com 907-789-5600 www.coastalhelicopters.com

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