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.
CrowleyFuels.com Crowley Fuels Alaska
November 2022 Volume 50, Number 11
Journal of the Alaska Miners Association
Rock On! Our AMA Annual Convention In Person Nov. 7-10!
See You in Anchorage! Complete Schedule-At-A-Glance, Pages 16-17
A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Alaska Miners: Welcome back! And “Rock On!”
interested in displaying core and results from mineral exploration and development projects are invited to present at the Core Shack. The “Prospectors’ Tent” Tuesday and Wednesday will again feature independent prospectors or early- exploration projects displaying their mineral prospects and discoveries. Providing a venue for prospectors to share their discoveries is an important opportunity that may lead to new discoveries, prospects and partnerships in Alaska. The Prospectors’ Tent will provide an opportunity for independent prospectors or early-exploration projects to display their mineral prospects and discoveries. And if you have not already, please grab your tickets for our annual Awards Banquet and fundraiser for Alaska Resource Education on Thursday night. It is a night you will not forget! I cannot say Thank You often enough to all our convention volunteers, sponsors, attendees and exhibitors. You make this wonderful weeklong event possible, but also through your generosity make possible all of the dedicated work we do year around to advocate for and defend mining in Alaska! Thank you and let’s Rock On!
I hope you are as excited as we are to be welcoming you and your company to the 2022 Alaska Miners Association Annual Convention and Trade Show in Anchorage. We chose “Rock On!” as our theme because it reflects who we are and what we do, despite the challenges or the obstacles — we show up, we work hard, we preserve — we “Rock On!” None of us expected it would be three years since we last met in person for our biggest event of the year, so it is especially wonderful to be back! We are expecting more than 1,000 attendees from all sectors of our industry. We have put together great networking events, the largest mining trade show in the state, representatives from all operating mines and potential mining development projects in Alaska, educational short courses, and technical sessions, and so much more. We have also added a new evening event just for younger professionals in mining. It is critical we continue to develop our next generation of miners. During the convention Nov. 8-10 we are offering dual tracks of technical session presentations highlighting exploration projects, mine operations, updates from agencies on new and revised regulations and requirements, engineering Alaska’s mines and policy
sessions. We also have planned superb keynote speakers at all our luncheons that you will enjoy, as well as a wealth of vendors and sponsors to network within the trade show during coffee breaks. This year’s Mining Hall of Fame inductions will be Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7-9 p.m. at the Downtown Marriott Hotel. And the AMA Board of Directors meeting is on Wednesday, Nov. 9. The Core Shack provides a showcase for participants of projects that are generating meaningful new results, or have not participated in AMA’s core shack before, to show off their core and discuss results with interested attendees. Industry professionals
Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director
Executive Board Bartly Kleven, President Lorali Simon, First Vice President Blake Bogart, Second Vice President Kim Aasand, Treasurer
Branch Chairmen Ted Hawley, Anchorage
The Alaska Miner is the official journal of the Alaska Miners Association, published eight times a year exclusively to our members.
Rich Sivils, Denali Ken Hall, Fairbanks Liz Cornejo, Haines Jim Clark, Juneau Houston Morris, Kenai Ken Hughes, Nome Robert Fithian, Ketchikan/Prince of Wales
It 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. 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
Committee Chairmen Kevin Adler, Convention
Follow us anytime: Online at AlaskaMiners.org Like us on Facebook at Alaska Miners Association Follow us on Twitter @alaskaminers
Howard Grey and JP Tangen, Federal Oversight Mike Satre and Lorali Simon, State Oversight
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AMA Annual Convention and Trade Show November 7-10, 2022 Anchorage, Alaska | Dena’ina Center
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AMA Convention 2022
AMA Trade Show Exhibitors
Convention Sponsors (as of press time)
Thank you for participating in the Alaska Miners Association Convention & Trade Show as a 2022 Vendor. We really appreciate your support. This event is instrumental in helping us to sustain our efforts year-round to promote a vibrant
n Delta Industrial Services Fairbanks LLC n Desert Air Alaska n Deswik USA Inc. n DGI Geoscience US Inc. n Donlin Gold LLC n DXP Alaska Pump and Supply
n North of 60 Mining News n Northspan Drilling Ltd. n Orica USA Inc n Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp n Pathfinder Aviation, LLC n PerkinElmer n Petro Marine n Power the Future n PX4 Software Pty Ltd n Rain for Rent n RAM Enterprise, Inc. n Ravn Alaska n Redpath USA Corporation n Rock Flow Dynamics n Roughstock Mining Services n Ruen Drilling Inc n Sample Archive System, Inc. n Samson Tug & Barge Co., Inc. n Semperit: Sempertrans Conveyor Belting n Skytem Canada Inc n SLR International Corporation n SMS Equipment Inc. n Solmax n Soloy Helicopters, LLC n Sophie Station Suites n South32 n SRK Consulting n Stantec Consulting Services Inc. n State of Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys n State of Alaska, DNR Division on Mining, Land & Water n Surveyors Exchange Co n Techline Alaska n Tectonic Metals Inc n TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc. n TOTE Maritime Alaska n TTT Environmental, LLC n US Ecology Alaska, LLC n US Geological Survey n Veritiv n Weir Minerals North America n Zonge International Inc.
Our loyal sponsors are critical to the success of every AMA annual convention. Many thanks to these fine companies and
organizations that have already committed to sponsoring our convention this November in Anchorage!
GOLD
mining industry for Alaska. n Acrow Corp of America n ACZ Laboratories, Inc. n Advanced Supply Chain International, LLC
NC Machinery Northern Star (Pogo) LLC Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp Soloy Helicopters, LLC Stantec Consulting Services Taiga Mining Co Inc. Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc.
Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC Donlin Gold LLC Felix Gold Ltd Alaska Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company HighGold Mining Inc Kinross Alaska NANA
n Dyno Nobel Inc. n Elemetal Direct
n Energy Laboratories Inc. n Equipment Source, Inc.
n Airgas an Air Liquide Company n Alaska Aggregate Products, LLC n Alaska Airlines/Alaska Air Cargo n Alaska Business n Alaska Dreams, Inc. n Alaska Earth Sciences n Alaska Garden & Pet Supply n Alaska Industrial Hardware, Inc. n Alaska Minerals Inc. n Alaska Railroad n Alaska Resource Education n Alaska Roteq n Alaska Rubber & Rigging Supply n Alaska Satellite Internet n Alaska Support Industry Alliance n All Pro Alaska n Ambler Metals n Arcticom LLC n Austin Powder Company n Automated Mining Operations Software n Automatic Welding & Supply Corp. n Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. n Beckwith & Kuffel, Inc. (bought out Delta P Pump) n BLM Minerals n Boart Longyear n Boreal Environmental Services n Brenntag Pacific, Inc. n Cardoso Integrated Security (CIS Alaska) n Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC n Contech Engineered Solutions LLC n Cummins Inc.
n ERM Alaska, Inc. n Everts Air Cargo n Fairweather, LLC
n Felix Gold Ltd Alaska n Ferguson Industrial n Fireweed Strategies LLC
n Frontier Supply n Geotemps, Inc. n Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining n Horst Expediting & Remote Operations, Inc. n Hy-Tech Drilling n IMDEX n Industrial Pumps of Alaska n Inlet Energy n Integrated Power Services n International Directional Services (IDS) n JCM Industries, Inc. n JH Fletcher & Co. n Komatsu n Kuna Engineering n Lifewater Engineering Company n Lynden n Major Drilling n Mascott Equipment n Midnight Sun Drilling Inc. n Millrock Resources Inc. n Minetek n Motion & Flow Control Products n MTA n NC Machinery n NISS
SILVER
Alaska Airlines/Alaska Air Cargo • Alaska Earth Sciences Alaska Rubber & Rigging Supply • CONAM Construction Company Hy-Tech Drilling • Surveyors Exchange Co., Inc. • Veritiv
COPPER Alaska Aggregate Products, LLC • Alaska Minerals Inc. • Doyon, Limited DXP Alaska Pump and Supply • ERM Alaska, Inc. • Jagged Sky Benefits Group Major Drilling • North of 60 Mining News • Redpath USA Corporation • SRK Consulting • Trust Land Office • Weir Minerals North America • Matson • MTA COAL Alaska Business • AOGA • ConocoPhillips • Denali Industrial Supply, Inc. • Fairweather, LLC • Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining • Lynden • Power the Future • SLR International Corporation GRAVEL ACZ Laboratories, Inc. • Borell Consulting Services LLC • International Directional Services Jeffress & Associates • Mining and Petroleum Training Service • Northern Permafrost Consulting LLC Samson Tug & Barge, Inc. STUDENT SPONSORS Donlin Gold LLC • Surveyors Exchange Co., Inc. SPECIALTY Alaska Photo Booth Company - Photo Booth Boart Longyear - Convention Bags GCI - GCI Power Lounge GCI - Name Badges Orica - Banquet Wine
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The Durability Project
Thank you to these companies, organizations and individuals who have pledged their support to AMA’s Durability Project! Your Contributions are invaluable in helping to ensure the future success of AMA’s mission and outreach.
BLAST BUDDIES
Golder Associates Inc.
Petro Marine Services
ACZ Laboratories
Graphite One (Alaska) Inc.
Pro-Seal Service Group
Alaska Aggregate Products , LLC
H2T Mine Engineering Services LLP
Sandvik Mining and Rock
Alaska Land Status
Hawley Resource Group
Technology Sealaska Corporation
Alaska Minerals Inc.
HDR
SLR International Corporation
Aurora Resource Exploration LLC
Heliostar Metals Ltd
SRK Consulting
Austin Powder Company
Hyak Mining Company
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Automatic Welding & Supply Corp.
Hy-Tech Drilling
Stevens Exploration Management Corp Stoel Rives LLP
Avalon Development Corp
HARD HAT HEROES
CORE SUPPORTERS
International Directional Services
BGC Engineering Inc.
Jade North LLC
Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC
Boart Longyear Company
Surveyors Exchange Co
Jeffress & Associates
Coeur Alaska-Kensington Mine
Boreal Environmental Services
The Law Office of James F. Clark
Contango Ore, Inc.
J P Tangen Attorney at Law (PC.)
Borell Consulting Services LLC
Constantine Mining, LLC
TOTE Maritime Alaska Inc
Kuna Engineering
Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company
ConocoPhillips
Trilogy Metals Inc.
Donlin Gold LLC
Lawrence V. Albert Attorney at Law
Soloy Helicopters
Contech Engineered Solutions
Tundra Consulting, LLC
Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining
Lynden
Usibelli Coal Mine
Core Geoscience LLC
Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
Matson
HighGold Mining Inc.
Denali Industrial Supply, Inc
US Ecology Alaska, LLC
McKinley Research Group, LLC
Kinross Alaska
DGI Geoscience US Inc.
Weir Minerals North America
Millrock Resources Inc.
Doyon, Limited
Western Alaska Copper & Gold
NANA
Mining and Petroleum Training Service Minto Development Corporation
Elemetal Direct
Wood & Wood Technical
Northern Star (Pogo) LLC
Energy Laboratories Inc.
Zonge International Inc.
Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp
Motion & Flow Control Products
Fairweather, LLC
Individuals:
Pebble Limited Partnership
Northrim Bank
Fireweed Strategies,LLC
Paul Glavinovich
Redpath USA Corporation
Northspan Drilling Ltd.
Freegold Ventures Limited
David Heatwole
Ruen Drilling, Inc.
Nova Minerals Limited
Frontier Supply
Ken Hall
Taiga Mining Company
Orica USA Inc.
Larry Peterson
General Refining and Smelting Corporation
Teck Alaska Red Dog Operations
John Shively
Owl Ridge Natural Resource Consultants
Richard Lessard
GeoMetallica
Paul & Company
Join this list - Sponsor today at www.alaskaminers.org/durability-sponsors
Join this list - Sponsor today at www.alaskaminers.org/durability-sponsors
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The Legislature’s attitude toward mining will change for the worse or for the better, depending on mining-friendly lawmakers being elected next year. Please help us support candidates that
By Lorali Simon Treasurer, AMPAC
The Alaska Miners Association Political Action Committee (AMAPAC) works to elect pro-mining legislators to the Alaska State Legislature. As the chair of AMAPAC, I ask you to join me in helping protect our way of life as miners, businesspeople, environmental stewards, and Alaskans. It has never been clearer that elections matter. In past years, multiple pieces of legislation attacking miners and burdening our businesses were attempted, and thankfully, with advocacy from AMA and strong leaders in the legislature, none were successful. AMAPAC made a significant impact in last year’s election cycle: n $14,350 raised n $15,650* Contributed to 26 Candidates (23 Republicans and 3 Democrats) (*carry forward from 2019) n 41 Individuals Donated to AMAPAC (10 were AMA Board Members)
support us. Individual contributions of up to $1,500 per calendar
year can be made to AMAPAC. Please join us at the AMAPAC Icebreaker Nov. 6. Or you can donate directly at our website at: alaskaminers.org/take-action/ or you can mail a check to: AMAPAC 121 W Fireweed Lane, Suite 120 Anchorage, AK 99503 Thank you for your help to ensure a stable regulatory environment for Alaska’s miners.
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TEMSCO
Alaska Leaders Praise Ben Stevens After Recently Passing Away
Serving all of Alaska since 1958 HELICOPTERS, INC.
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Photo Courtesy KTOO Former State Senator Ben Stevens with the iconic status of his father Sen. Ted Stevens, at the airport that bears his name. Ben Stevens died suddenly in October.
Alaska lawmakers and leaders have offered heartfelt praise for former Alaska Senate president Ben Steven, who died suddenly in October while hiking on the Kenai Peninsula. Stevens was most recently working as the vice president of external affairs and transportation for ConocoPhillips, after a long stint as chief of staff for Gov. Mike Dunlevy. He was formerly president of the Alaska Senate and is the son of the late U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski described Stevens as a friend who she said will be “genuinely missed.” “Ben was a friend of mine, a great dad and husband, and one who made Alaska a better place for us all,” Murkowski said on Twitter. “His sudden passing leaves a hole in our Alaskan fabric. Ben Stevens will … be genuinely missed.” ConocoPhillips President Erec Isaacson said in a statement released Friday that Stevens was a “valued leader” at the company and “leaves a significant legacy” in Alaska. “The entire ConocoPhillips family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing on Thursday evening of our friend and colleague, Ben Stevens. Our sympathies are with his
family and loved ones during this difficult time.” “Ben Stevens was a good friend of mine,” Gov. Dunleavy said on Twitter. “I will always cherish the time he was my Chief of Staff. His knowledge and political acumen were significant assets in my administration. Rose and I offer our prayers to Ben’s wife, Elizabeth, and the kids during this difficult time.” Stevens was a strong advocate for Alaska resource development and Alaska resource associations were unanimous in praise for him. “We are incredibly shocked and deeply saddened by Ben’s passing,” said Kara Moriarty, President and CEO of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association. “Ben loved Alaska and it didn’t matter if he was working in public service, on a commercial fishing boat, or as the VP of external affairs for ConocoPhillips, he was passionate about building a better, brighter future for our state. He will be sorely missed but leaves a legacy that will endure. Our heartfelt prayers go out to his wife Elizabeth, their children, the entire Stevens family, and his coworkers and colleagues.” — Ashlyn O’Hara of the Peninsula Clarion contributed to this story
TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc PO Box 5057 Ketchikan, Alaska 99901 Phone 907-225-5141 • fax 907-225-2340 • www.TemscoAir.com
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AMA Convention 2022
8 a.m. ALASKA MINING: ROCK ON! SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE: NOV. 7 - 10, 2022 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 12 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 4p.m. 5 p.m.
7 a.m.
6 p.m.
7 p.m.
8 p.m.
SUNDAY NOV 3
7 a.m.
8 a.m.
9 a.m.
10 a.m.
11 a.m.
12 p.m.
1 p.m.
2 p.m.
3 p.m.
4 p.m.
5 p.m.
6 p.m.
7 p.m.
8 p.m.
SHORT COURSES 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
AMAPAC ICEBREAKER 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
MONDAY NOV 7
TRADE SHOW VENDOR SET-UP 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
EARLY EXPLORATION 2 - 3:00 p.m. POLICY 2 - 3:00 p.m.
EARLY EXPLORATION 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
LUNCHEON 12 - 1:00 p.m.
GEOSCIENCE 10 -11:00 a.m. POLICY 10 -11:00 a.m.
GEOSCIENCE 8 - 9:00 a.m.
BREAKFAST 7 - 8:00 a.m.
BREAK
BREAK
BREAK
BREAK
TUESDAY NOV 8
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MIXER 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
TRADE SHOW, CORE SHACK, and PROSPECTORS TENT (DAY 1) 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SUPPLIERS RECEPTION 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
ADVANCED EXPLORATION 2 - 3:00 p.m. POLICY 2 - 3:00 p.m.
ADVANCED EXPLORATION 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLORATION 8 - 9:00 a.m.
POLICY 10 -11:00 a.m. ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLORATION 10 - 11:00 a.m.
BOD MEETING 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
LUNCHEON 12 - 1:00 p.m.
BREAK
BREAK
BREAK
BREAK
WEDNESDAY NOV 9
HISTORY NIGHT 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
TRADE SHOW, CORE SHACK, and PROSPECTORS TENT (DAY 2) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
BREAKFAST 7 - 8:00 a.m.
OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT 2 - 3:00 p.m.
OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
BANQUET & AWARDS 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
ANCSA 10 - 11:30 a.m.
LUNCHEON 12 - 1:00 p.m.
ANCSA 8 - 9:00 a.m.
BREAK
BREAK
BREAK
THURSDAY NOV 10
BREAK
VENDOR TEAR-DOWN 2:15 - 5:00 p.m.
TRADE SHOW 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
BREAKFAST 7 - 8:00 a.m.
MSHA SURFACE REFRESHER COURSE 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
FRIDAY NOV 11
MSHA UNDERGROUND REFRESHER COURSE 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SATURDAY NOV 12
7 a.m.
8 a.m.
9 a.m.
10 a.m.
11 a.m.
12 p.m.
1 p.m.
2 p.m.
3 p.m.
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7 p.m.
8 p.m.
TRACK 1
TRACK 2
ROOM LEGEND:
DENA’INA CENTER SECOND FLOOR | Kahtna 1-2
MARRIOTT HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM(S)
DENA’INA CENTER FIRST FLOOR | Exhibit Hall
DENA’INA CENTER SECOND FLOOR | Tubughnenq 3-5
TRACK 2
TRACK 1
Constitutional Convention Vote Carries Risks for Alaska
special interests and considerable funding to influence the required election of Convention delegates, creating an opportunity to influence the drafting of the new constitution to promote special interest agendas. We have seen special interests target the resource development industries before. Tens of millions of dollars have been spent defeating destructive policies proposed in 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2020. If ballot measures have taught us anything, it is that Alaska law is best deliberated in the open and transparent Legislative process, and establishing law by alternative means creates the uncertainty that inhibits investment in Alaska. For instances in which there may be a need to change a section of our Constitution, Article 13, Section 1 provides for that to be accomplished through the legislative process that is both targeted and transparent. Of the 40 times this legislative process for amendments has been used, 28 amendments have been successful. This specific process can and should be used to address any issues needing the attention of Alaskans, rather than the blunt instrument of a Convention that fully opens the whole document to scrutiny and potentially creates years of uncertainty that would inhibit or prevent investment in Alaska industries. We know that some are advocating for a Constitutional Convention to address issues like the Permanent Fund Dividend, a spending cap, and social issues. AMA has not and will not address these issues. Our position is solely based on our desire to have regulatory certainty, which we believe is provided for in the existing Constitution. Our position is not partisan, and it is not political. It is business. Alaska’s miners have too much at stake to risk an overhaul of our regulatory process, and that is solely our basis for opposing a Convention. If you have questions or which to further discuss this issue, please direct your inquiries to Deantha Skibinski, AMA Executive Director, and she will distribute them to the AMA State Oversight Chairs and the AMA Executive Committee. “A convention would create years of economic, legal and regulatory uncertainty, and would inhibit or prevent investment in Alaska industries … AMA opposes the establishment of a new Constitutional Convention as unnecessary, expensive, and dangerous, with the risks outweighing the reward.” — Alaska Miners Association
Dear AMA Members and Friends: In May, AMA adopted a position of opposition to holding a Constitutional Convention. While we shared this then, recent public narrative has called our decision into question, so we’d like to further communicate how and why AMA arrived at this position. In addition to this email, this Friday’s Statewide Zoom meeting will focus on AMA’s position and include a discussion on this topic. Information on that meeting may be found here. By way of background: Alaska Constitution requires that every 10 years, if a Constitutional Convention has not been held, the Lt. Governor of Alaska must place on the General Election ballot a question to voters on whether a Convention should be held. In May, the State Oversight committee put this issue on its agenda for discussion. As a reminder, the committee consists of over 60 AMA members, representing all eight of our statewide branches and has miners from large mines, placer mines, exploration and development projects, contractors, consultants, and other professionals that support our industry. The committee carefully considered the upcoming ballot question on a Constitutional Convention, and we concluded that the risks of upheaval to our existing regulatory system are simply too high. After, the State Oversight Committee recommended to AMA’s Executive Committee that AMA adopt a position of opposition and AMA formally adopted the position. Our position has been on AMA’s website since early this summer, and you can see it here. Article VIII of the Constitution contains language we live by in our industry: “It is the policy of the State to encourage…the development of its resources by making them available for maximum use consistent with the public interest…shall provide for the utilization, development, and conservation of all natural resources belonging to the State, including land and waters, for the maximum benefit of its people.” Article XIII, Section 4 of the Alaska Constitution gives unlimited power to a constitutional convention to amend or revise the constitution, which could result in an arbitrary and unpredictable rewrite to any part of the document. A rewrite of the areas that govern resource and economic development, multiple use, equal access, sustained yield, public domain, mineral and water rights, and access to navigable waters could be disastrous. There is nothing in the Constitution or law that governs the selection of Constitutional Convention delegates. Therefore, it is unknown who would hold the immense lawmaking authority that a Convention would bring. What is known is that this would no doubt bring outside
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LIGHT UP COAL MINERS ALASKA
Kinross Alaska Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month
USIBELLI.COM
In October, Kinross Alaska employees wore pink in observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness. The week was filled with awareness activities, including a pink-themed breakfast with information tables, an employee-led fundraiser for the Breast Cancer
Detection Center of Alaska, and an investment in the next BCDC mobile mammogram truck. The site also welcomed seven local women affected by breast cancer to a special pink blast! Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs through October.
The foundation of Interior Alaska's economy is built on a powerful rock - coal. Alaskans save hundreds of millions of dollars by relying on coal, our most abundant and affordable source of energy. For more than 75 years, the people of Usibelli Coal Mine have proudly provided light and warmth to Alaskans.
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Mining Hall of Fame Opens New Museum in Fairbanks
HighGold Drilling Expands Gold-Rich Ellis Zone North of 1M oz JT Deposit
By Shane Lasley North of 60 Mining News
expansion,” said HighGold Mining CEO Darwin Green. “A priority of our 2022 drill program was to follow up on last year’s late season discovery at the DC Prospect to determine if the mineralization continued to depth and laterally along strike. This has been confirmed in our initial step-outs which have returned multiple intersections of high-grade mineralization, including subintervals of multi- ounce grade,” Green said when this first batch of Ellis Zone results was announced. The company says the systematic step-out drilling at the Ellis Zone discovery has cut additional strong mineralization to the west and down-dip of the intercept in hole DC22-043. “The Ellis Zone discovery continues to deliver excellent results with some of the strongest and widest intersections to date coming from the western limit of our drilling,” said Green. “We are very encouraged by the persistence of the Ellis Zone mineralization along strike and plan to keep stepping out in all directions as we continue expanding the known extents of the zone.” So far this year, HighGold has completed 4,935 meters of drilling in 36 holes at Ellis Zone. Assays are pending for 22 of these holes.
With the latest batch of assay results showing the drills are continuing to cut broad layers of high-grade gold at Ellis Zone, it appears that HighGold Mining Inc. is beginning to outline a second gold-rich polymetallic deposit at its Johnson Tract project in Southcentral Alaska. JT, the first deposit outlined on the 20,942-acre Johnson Tract property, hosts 3.49 million metric tons of indicated resource averaging 5.33 grams per metric ton (598,000 ounces) gold, 6 g/t (673,000 oz) silver, 5.21% (400.8 million pounds) zinc, 0.59% (43.1 million lb) copper, and 0.67% (51.5 million lb) lead. When you calculate the value of all the metals into gold equivalency, this comes to 1.05 million oz of indicated resource averaging 9.39 g/t gold-equivalent. Situated about 2.5 miles north of JT Deposit, Ellis Zone is shaping up to be part of an emerging second deposit with similar potential. “While still very early days, it appears we are well on our way to defining a second deposit at Johnson Tract to complement the existing high-grade (plus-1-million- oz) JT Deposit mineral resource that is also open to
After years of anticipation and preparation, the Alaska Mining Hall of Fame Museum opened in a great new location at 406 Cushman in Fairbanks. Gov. Mike Dunleavy was on hand for the grand opening celebration in October. Alaska Mining Hall of Fame Foundation president Tom Bundtzen officiated at the grand opening and played a key role in making the new museum a reality. The new location provides more space to display and celebrate the rich history and contributions of Alaska’s miners. It includes biographies of 130 Alaska mining pioneers. The museum will be open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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SRK Global Appoints New Chair
Alejo Sfriso, corporate consultant and practice leader with SRK Argentina, has been appointed board chair of SRK Global. Alejo succeeds Mark Noppé, who is becoming director of the W.H. Bryan Mining Geology Research Center with the Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland. “My becoming chair of the SRK group of companies is a demonstration of our culture. I am a geotechnical engineer coming from a small consultancy located in a country with a limited mining footprint—but with a lot of potential. I was given the opportunity to build my practice within SRK. In doing so, I was exposed to challenging projects worldwide, working with many SRK colleagues from whom I learned so much,” said Alejo. Alejo joined SRK in 2009 and co founded SRK’s practice in Argentina, where he served as managing director until 2019. He served on SRK Global’s board of directors from 2016-19 returning in 2022. Alejo is expert in the application of numerical methods for design, analysis, and risk evaluation of geotechnical structures with an emphasis in construction procedures. He continues his professional practice through which he has contributed to projects in over 25 countries. “Alejo’s long history of leadership in SRK exemplifies the positive contribution and opportunities he and his team
have made through development of the
Arctic engineering and environmental services.
Argentinian practice and ongoing involvement in the Latin American practices— as well as technical teams globally,” said Tim McGurk, group CEO of SRK Global. “I am looking forward to working with Alejo, helping to bring his natural team building and collaboration abilities to support further
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collaboration and growth in our global teams.” Alejo belongs to professional associations including the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, where he served as vice president for South America from 2017-22. He served as an executive committee member for the Argentinean Society for Geotechnical Engineering from 1997 to 2015 and as president of the society from 2011-15. Alejo has been professor of soil mechanics and geology at the University of Buenos Aries since 1989. He has
Victor Ross (907) 352-7809
victor.ross@stantec.com Steve Reidsma, PWS (907) 450-1425 steve.reidsma@stantec.com
authored or co-authored over 90 publications. SRK is a longtime corporate member of AMA.
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Rock On With Us at The AMA Banquet 2022!
Advertising deadlines are fast approaching to reserve your space in the three Alaska Miners Association publications: Ensure your advertising message is reaching Alaska’s mining industry throughout 2023 LAST CALL! n The 2023 Alaska Miners Handbook and Service Directory n The Alaska Miner Miner n The Alaska Miner Journal
n 6 p.m. AMA Banquet Cocktail Hour Cocktails, music, photo booth, ARE Silent Auction n 7 p.m. AMA Annual Closing Banquet Dinner, Industry Awards, ARE Fundraising and banquet speaker Senator Dan Sullivan Each year, AMA recognizes the rock stars of Alaska’s mining industry at the Annual Convention Banquet. Awards are presented to members of AMA nominated by their peers for outstanding service, practices and more. Awards include: n Advocate of The Year n Corporate Member of The Year n Environmental Stewardship n Hard Hat Safety Award n Volunteer Member of The Year n Chuck Hawley Lifetime Achievement Award Join to honor the best of the best, raise money to support Alaska Resource Education, celebrate with the AMA family and dance to I Love Robots!
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Juneau Chamber Honors Jerry Harmon, Alaska Miners
With a mining theme and décor honoring the capital city’s long mining heritage, the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce recently held its first annual awards banquet since 2019 with a crowd of more than 300. The chamber also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award to Jerry Harmon who is well known in the Juneau community as a founder and the president of Juneau Gold Rush Days, a miner for more than 40 years and a volunteer across numerous projects and boards in Juneau. “I love to volunteer, I get a lot out of it,” he said after receiving the award. “It’s not an ‘I thing,’ it’s a ‘we thing.’” Harmon’s has been involved with the popular Juneau Gold Rush Days since it was founded in 1990 and this year it celebrated its 30th year after missing the past two years. The event —which celebrates Juneau’s long mining and logging history — has made a significant impact in the community for decades and during its peak years, it attracted more than 10,000 people to a variety of contests, vendors, fair foods, gold panning and children’s activities. Harmon said he is grateful for the award and for the other people and volunteers who don’t get this recognition.
“I accept this award for all the volunteers in the city of Juneau,” he said. Incoming president John Blasco, business project manager at Alaskan Brewing Co., was sworn in at the event. Dick and Candy Behrends, married couple and co-owners of Behrends Mechanical Inc., were surprised to be named Citizens of the Year for their contribution to the Juneau community both charitably and through their volunteer work over many years. Blasco described the pair as “true pillars” in the community, each for their individual work and their contribution as a duo. “They are some of the nicest and friendliest people you will ever meet,” Blasco said about the pair. Candy said she was honored and surprised to receive the award and gave a short thanks to the chamber and people in the crowd. “We are deeply honored to be recognized this way, thank you very much,” Candy said on behalf of them both. — Courtesy Juneau Empire
Photo Courtesy Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Jerry Harmon accepts his Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the Juneau community as a founder and the president of Juneau Gold Rush Days, a miner for more than 40 years and a volunteer across numerous projects and boards in Juneau.
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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 LLC ACZ Labs Advanced Supply Chain International LLC AECOM Ahtna Inc. AIDEA Airgas USA, LLC Alaska Aggregate Products LLC Alaska Airlines Horst Expediting & Remote Operations Inc. Hy-Tech Drilling USA Ltd. Hyak Mining Company IBEW Local 1547 Idaho Mining Association IMDEX Industrial Pumps of Alaska PolarX Limited Property Rights Foundation of America, Inc. Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada PX4 Software Ram Enterprise, Inc. Ravn Alaska Regeneration Enterprises
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Reliable Transfer Corporation Remote Made Easy (PSSA) Remote Site Services Inc. Resource Development Council RESPEC Roughstock Mining Services LLC Royal Gold Inc. Ruen Drilling Inc. Ryan Air Inc.
Institute of Northern Engineering International Directional Services Ipop LLC ISCO JCM Industries Inc. Juneau Economic Development Council Just Refiners USA, Inc. Kinross Alaska Klondike Placer Miners’ Association Knight Piesold & Company Kuna Engineering Lifewater Engineering Company Lignite Energy Council
Alaska Business Alaska Chamber Alaska Coastal Aggregates LLC Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agricultural Bank Alaska Forest Association Alaska Frontier Constructors Inc. Alaska Industrial Hardware Inc Alaska Oil and Gas Association Alaska Policy Forum Alaska Power & Telephone Company Alaska Railroad Corporation Alaska Resource Education Alaska Rock Products Association Alaska Roteq Alaska Trucking Association Ambler Metals LLC American Exploration & Mining Association American Land Rights Association Anchorage Chamber of Commerce
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Samson Tug & Barge Sealaska Corporation Semperit: Sempertrans Conveyor Belting Shoreside Petroleum Inc. SLR International Corporation Society For Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Soloy Helicopters LLC Sophie Station Suites - Fountainhead Hotels Sound Quarry Inc. Southeast Conference Stantec Consulting Inc. Stoel Rives LLP Sundance Mining Group Swick Drilling North America T & J Enterprises Inc. Taiga Mining Company Inc. TDX Corporation Teck Alaska Inc. - Red Dog Tectonic Metals Inc. Temsco Helicopters Inc. The Alaska Support Industry Alliance The Silver Institute TOTE Maritime Alaska Tower Hill Mines Inc. - Livengood Project Trilogy Metals, Inc. Tyler Rental Inc. U.S. GoldMining Inc Ucore Rare Metals Inc. University Redi-Mix
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Associated General Contractors of Alaska Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia Aurora Geosciences (Alaska) Ltd. Automatic Welding & Supply Avidian Gold Corporation AVTEC - Alaska Vocational Technical Center BDO USA, LLP Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. Big Ray’s Alaska Inc. Blackwolf Copper & Gold Ltd. Bobcat of Juneau Boreal Environmental Services Boyer Towing Inc. Brenntag Pacific Brice Inc. Brilliant Media Strategies Alaska, Inc. Brownson Bros C & R Pipe and Steel Inc. CalCIMA Calista Corporation Carlile Chamber of Mines of Eastern British Columbia Chugach Alaska Corporation City of Ketchikan Coastal Helicopters Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine
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NISS NMS North Star Terminal & Stevedore Co. LLC Northern Air Cargo Northern Industrial Training, LLC (Anchorage) Northern Industrial Training, LLC (Palmer) Northern Permafrost Consulting Northern Star (Pogo) LLC Northrim Bank Northspan Drilling Ltd. Northwest Mine Supply Northwest Pump Northwest Territories & Nunavut Chamber of Mines Nova Minerals Limited NovaGold Resources Inc. Orica USA Inc. Oxford Assaying & Refining Pathfinder Aviation, LLC
US Ecology Alaska, LLC Usibelli Coal Mine Inc. Utah Mining Association Veritiv-Alaska Victus Solutions Group Visit Anchorage Weir Minerals
Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Western Alaska Minerals Western Pacific Crane & Equipment
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Miluveach Bridge | North Slope, Alaska
Pebble Limited Partnership Peggy Petroleum Products Perkins Coie LLP Petro Marine Services PND Engineers Inc.
907.561.1011 www.pndengineers.com
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