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 2022 Volume 50, Number 9
Journal of the Alaska Miners Association
Staking Alaska’s claim as America’s Critical Minerals Leader
Critical Minerals summit at UAF charts course and need — and challenges — for CM mining in Alaska
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September 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Alaska Miners: Elections have consequences. We have all said it and thought it, but now we are very much living it. This has been on my mind a lot these past weeks. First, as we learned that Alaska’s new ranked-choice voting system is not as simple as many thought, so we have to vote carefully with a careful eye to second- and third- place candidates. And second, as we continue to deal with the Washington administration and Congress that talks one story but acts in exactly the opposite direction. Only representatives who understand and fight for Alaska can move our industry forward. Please vote this November. Elections matter! Thanks to the many of you who testified recently in support of the Pebble Project and in opposition of the EPA’s ongoing attempt to preempt due process and arbitrarily block mining development of one of the largest copper deposits in the world. This is a time when the U.S. is more vulnerable than ever because virtually all the critical resources, especially copper, that we need for everything from cellphones to fighter jets come from nations that actively oppose U.S. interests. It is worth repeating that we at AMA work constantly to watch for and alert you to potential threats to our industry, but we also show you ways to have your voice heard. Often this is testifying
The 21st anniversary of that horrific Sept. 11 continues to remind us that if we are not vigilant, we are vulnerable. Now, some great news! By now you have received our first updates on our first traditional annual convention in three years, coming Nov. 6-11 in Anchorage. I think I can say without fear of disagreement that we are all very ready to get back together! As much as we have been thankful for Zoom calls and social media, and all the other digital tools that have allowed us to stay connected, it is nothing like a good old-fashioned Alaska miner smile, handshake and hearty hug. But it is about more than fellowship. Our convention committee team of great volunteers is assembling a world-class program of speakers, programs and events that will make it a convention to remember for a long time. Watch for convention updates from us via email and social media, and watch AlaskaMiners.org for complete registration information as well as travel and lodging discounts. Thanks again to the hundreds of sponsors, speakers and trade show exhibitors who always make this possible! We are a great team together. And come see us in November!
Happy 90th Birthday to Roger Burggraf!
in hearings like this, but it is also giving you the information you need to educate all those you work with, who need to know the critical needs we serve and the challenges we face. The good news is we are no longer alone, as the recent Critical Minerals Summit in Fairbanks demonstrated. Key segments of our country rely on us, from an auto industry trying to build a reliable supply chain for the key components of the electric vehicles they’re building, to our Department of Defense trying to prepare for military threats by ensuring the critical components needed for weapons and communication come from reliable domestic supplies, instead of from potential enemy nations.
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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Convention Sponsors (as of press time)
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
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
Kinross Alaska NC Machinery
SILVER Alaska Airlines/Alaska Air Cargo • Alaska Rubber & Rigging Supply CONAM Construction Company • Hy-Tech Drilling Surveyors Exchange Co., Inc. • Veritiv
COPPER
Doyon, Limited • Jagged Sky Benefits Group • Major Drilling • Matson North of 60 Mining News • Redpath USA Corporation • SRK Consulting Trust Land Office • Weir Minerals North America
COAL
Alaska Business • ConocoPhillips • Denali Industrial Supply, Inc. Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining • Lynden • SLR International Corporation
GRAVEL ACZ Laboratories, Inc. • Borell Consulting Services LLC • International Directional Services Mining and Petroleum Training Service
SPECIALTY CONVENTION BAGS: Boart Longyear LOUNGE: GCI Power Lounge
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AMA Convention 2022
AMA Trade Show Exhibitors
Mining professionals from around the state of Alaska gather in downtown Anchorage for a three-day trade show Nov. 7-10 at Anchorage’s Denaina Center. This event is an opportunity for members of one of Alaska’s largest industries to come together to discuss innovations and economic planning.
n Lynden n Major Drilling n Mascott Equipment
Corp. n Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. n Beckwith & Kuffel, Inc. n Boart Longyear n Boreal Environmental Services n Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC n Contech Engineered Solutions LLC n Cummins Inc. 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 Midnight Sun Drilling Inc. n Millrock Resources Inc. n Motion & Flow Control Products n NC Machinery n North of 60 Mining News n Northspan Drilling Ltd. n Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp
n PerkinElmer n Petro Marine n PX4 Software Pty Ltd n Rain for Rent n RAM Enterprise, Inc. n Ravn Alaska
Please join us! Sign up today at www.alaskaminers.org/tradeshow
And a big Thank You to those who have already signed up! We really appreciate your support. This event is instrumental in helping us to sustain our efforts year-round to promote a vibrant mining industry for Alaska. Here are the organizations signed up for 2022’s show: n Acrow Corp of America n ACZ Laboratories, Inc. n Advanced Supply Chain International, LLC n Alaska Airlines/Alaska Air Cargo
n Redpath USA Corporation n Roughstock Mining Services n Ruen Drilling Inc n Skytem Canada Inc n SLR International Corporation n SMS Equipment Inc. n Solmax n Soloy Helicopters, LLC n Sophie Station Suites 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 TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc. n TOTE Maritime Alaska n US Ecology Alaska, LLC n US Geological Survey n Veritiv n Weir Minerals North America
n Dyno Nobel Inc. n Elemetal Direct
n Energy Laboratories Inc. n Equipment Source, Inc. 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 Integrated Power Services n International Directional Services (IDS) n JCM Industries, Inc. n JH Fletcher & Co. n Komatsu
n Alaska Business n Alaska Railroad
n Alaska Resource Education n Alaska Rubber & Rigging Supply n Alaska Satellite Internet n Alaska Support Industry Alliance n Arcticom LLC n Austin Powder Company n Automatic Welding & Supply
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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.
HARD HAT HEROES
CORE SUPPORTERS
Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC
Coeur Alaska-Kensington Mine
Contango Ore, Inc.
Constantine Mining, LLC
Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company
Donlin Gold LLC
Soloy Helicopters
Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining
Usibelli Coal Mine
HighGold Mining Inc.
Kinross Alaska
NANA
Northern Star (Pogo) LLC
Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp
Pebble Limited Partnership
Redpath USA Corporation
Ruen Drilling, Inc.
Taiga Mining Company
Teck Alaska Red Dog Operations
Join this list - Sponsor today at www.alaskaminers.org/durability-sponsors
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
International Directional Services
BGC Engineering Inc.
Jade North LLC
Boart Longyear Company
Surveyors Exchange Co
Jeffress & Associates
Boreal Environmental Services
The Law Office of James F. Clark
J P Tangen Attorney at Law (PC.)
Borell Consulting Services LLC
TOTE Maritime Alaska Inc
Kuna Engineering
ConocoPhillips
Trilogy Metals Inc.
Lawrence V. Albert Attorney at Law
Contech Engineered Solutions
Tundra Consulting, LLC
Lynden
Core Geoscience LLC
Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
Matson
Denali Industrial Supply, Inc
US Ecology Alaska, LLC
McKinley Research Group, LLC
DGI Geoscience US Inc.
Weir Minerals North America
Millrock Resources Inc.
Doyon, Limited
Western Alaska Copper & Gold
Mining and Petroleum Training Service Minto Development Corporation
Elemetal Direct
Wood & Wood Technical
Energy Laboratories Inc.
Zonge International Inc.
Motion & Flow Control Products
Fairweather, LLC
Individuals:
Northrim Bank
Fireweed Strategies,LLC
Paul Glavinovich
Northspan Drilling Ltd.
Freegold Ventures Limited
David Heatwole
Nova Minerals Limited
Frontier Supply
Ken Hall
Orica USA Inc.
Larry Peterson
General Refining and Smelting Corporation
John Shively
Owl Ridge Natural Resource Consultants
Richard Lessard
GeoMetallica
Paul & Company
Join this list - Sponsor today at www.alaskaminers.org/durability-sponsors
Perkins Coie LLP
Critical Minerals Summit Highlights Alaska’s Vital Resources
The summit helped to address Alaska’s strengths, resources, capabilities and investment opportunities to meet the national imperative of mining to reach clean energy goals and economic security. The conference highlights current initiatives and challenges, as well as productive paths forward. Photos by Lee Leschper
The University of Alaska hosted a summit in August focusing on Alaska’s role in meeting the country’s need for a domestic supply of critical mineral resources. The two-day summit included policymakers, industry leaders, Alaska Native corporations, state and federal agencies, and top scientists and researchers.
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GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. BUILT RESPONSIBLY.
NOVAGOLD.COM/SUSTAINABILITY
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Mining Day at the Alaska State Fair
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Thank You to All Our Volunteers!
AMA and the Council of Alaska Producers teamed up again on Aug. 20 to bring Mining dozen AMA members and volunteers passed out thousands of bright green “Alaska Mining Rocks” drawstring backpacks to fairgoers. The Gold Panners Day at The Alaska State Fair. Several
Association of America came out with 13 volunteers and helped over 300 people pan for gold. A very special thanks to Oxford Assaying & Refining for sponsoring the gold! Thanks to all the volunteers, companies and friends who helped make this possible!
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In Memoriam: Alaska Earth Sciences Founder William T. Ellis
Longtime Eagle River resident William “Bill” Thomas Ellis, 74, died on March 18, 2022, while staying at Providence Alaska Medical Center after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Bill was born on July 29, 1947, in Grass Valley, Calif., to Allan and Mary Ellis. He spent his formative years traveling the country and living in Germany as a “military brat” until graduating from Sparks High School in Nevada and enrolling in the Mackay School of Mines’ geology program. Before he could complete the program, Bill was drafted into the Army in 1967. He would then go on to fight in the Vietnam War as an infantryman in A co, 2nd battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Staff Sergeant Ellis was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions on hill 937, aka Hamburger Hill. Before being released from active duty in 1969, he was also awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, two Air Medals and Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor displayed in combat. After returning home, Bill completed his Bachelor of Science in geology and began his trek north to Alaska. He spent several years bouncing back and forth
between the Northwest Territories, northern Idaho, and the Brooks Range in Alaska before finally moving to Eagle River in 1979, where he would live for the rest of his life. In 1999, Bill co-founded Alaska Earth Sciences in Anchorage, where
he worked until his retirement in 2021.
Bill met his beloved wife Carolyn in Alaska, and they married on March 23, 1990, in the Cook Islands. They shared four children, Brian, Morgan, Melissa, and William, between them and six grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his siblings, Victor, Richard, Susan, and Karel. Bill loved fishing, hiking, camping, downhill skiing and traveling with Carolyn and their two dogs, Rosie, and Lily. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alliance Christian Fellowship. To share words of comfort with the family, please go to legacyalaska.com.
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Alaska Resource Education Celebrates Beki Toussaint’s 10-year Anniversary
resource industry, especially ones that are typically male dominated. At the end of the semester, the group took a week-long field trip across the state of Alaska to view mine and energy sites. Often known as “The Rock Lady” to students, they light up when Beki walks into the room knowing they are about to have fun while learning. Kids and teachers across Alaska can attest to the effectiveness of ARE’s hands-on approach. Quotes from student thank you cards and emails say it best: n “Miss Beki is an amazing science teacher, and she makes learning very fun! We love science!” — Third- grader n “You guys did a fantastic job - they came home talking about mining, where minerals are used, power sources and more. I am so impressed by, and thankful for, what you guys offered to the community!!” — Parent of STEM camp participant n “It makes me feel inspired, honestly, because growing up, like seeing Bob the Builder and all these boys in this industry was showing me I can’t do that, and this class inspired me a lot.” — High school girl in POWR class Thank you, Beki, for your years of dedication, hard work, and never-ending passion for teaching ARE’s important mission!
In August, Alaska Resource Education celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Program Director Beki Toussaint. Since 2012, Beki has taught more than 30,000 students and 1,000 teachers statewide about Alaska’s natural resources. From the North Slope to Red Dog Mine in the Northwest Arctic, to Usibelli Coal Mine in the interior, and Greens Creek and Kensington Mines in Southeast, Beki has led the way in educating students about the importance of our resources and the associated careers available to them. During her tenure, Beki has expanded ARE’s curriculum to include numerous new lessons, an entire high school course, and two new teacher courses. Beki now leads ARE’s team of four educators. ARE’s reach has grown significantly with the addition of new staff, with the ability to reach far more students across the state. Additionally, the team focuses more on long-term partnerships with schools and teachers, teaching multi- week units to cover ARE’s comprehensive curriculum in minerals, energy, and renewables. One of the highlights of 2022 has been the Powerful Opportunities for Women in Resources program. POWR is a nine-week-long class held at King Tech for girls in grades nine through 12. The curriculum educates female students about the careers available in the natural
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American Pacific Mining to Acquire Constantine Metal Resources
projects located in key mining districts of Nevada. The Company’s mission is to grow by the drill bit and by acquisition. Constantine is a mineral exploration company led by an experienced and proven technical team with a focus on the Palmer copper-zinc-silver-gold-barite project (the “Palmer Project”) being advanced as a joint venture between Constantine and Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. (“Dowa”), with Constantine as operator. The Palmer Project is a high-grade volcanogenic massive sulphide-sulphate (“VMS”) project located in a very accessible part of coastal Southeast Alaska, with road access to the project and within 60 kilometers of the year-round deep-sea port of Haines. The combined company will be well financed with a pro-forma cash balance exceeding $10 million allowing APM to aggressively progress projects while leveraging spending commitments of partners. Improved capital markets profile with increased market capitalization exceeding $85 million and better positioned to attract additional institutional and high net- worth investors.
American Pacific Mining Corp. and Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) pursuant to which APM will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Constantine (the “Transaction”) in an all-share transaction, providing Constantine shareholders with an immediate upfront premium of 48.6 percent based on each company’s respective 20-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”). The combined company will be a premier exploration and development company in the western USA with two projects being aggressively advanced under strategic partnerships with well-respected major metal producers and an expanded portfolio of prospective precious and base metals assets. American Pacific Mining Corp. is a gold explorer focused on precious metal opportunities in the Western United States. The Madison Mine in Montana, under option to joint venture with Kennecott Exploration Company, is the Company’s flagship asset. The Gooseberry Gold-Silver Project and the Tuscarora Gold Project are two high-grade, precious metals
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Please Support AMAPAC!
More than ever this year, elections matter. And AMAPAC is your chance to have a voice and a direct impact. AMAPAC is the Political Action Committee of the Alaska Miners Association. It is separate, but affiliated with AMA and helps to elect pro-mining candidates to the Alaska Legislature and as Governor. AMAPAC provides a vital service to Alaska’s mining industry. Each election cycle we support candidates that support our industry. In order to remain effective, we rely on contributions from industry supporters like you. Individual contributions of any amount per
calendar year can be made to AMAPAC. 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! AMAPAC Treasurers: Lorali Simon, Chris Gerondale, Howard Grey, Karl Hanneman, Bill Jeffress, Mike Satre, Greta Schuerch and John Shively
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Missed an issue of The Miner Journal? All editions of The Alaska Miner Journal are online at: alaskaminers.org/ monthly-journal. Help us spread good news about mining in Alaska!
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Never Miss an Issue! Print + Digital Magazine Subscriptions
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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 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
Colorado Mining Association Columbia River Carbonates Commonwealth North CONAM Construction Company ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. Construction Machinery Industrial LLC Consumer Energy Alliance Contango Ore, Inc. Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) Craig Taylor Equipment Company Crowley Fuels LLC Cruise Lines International Alaska Cryopeak LNG Solutions Cummins Sales & Service Cyr Drilling USA Inc. Dawson City Chamber of Commerce Delta Constructors Delta Industrial Services Inc. Denali Industrial Supply Inc. Desert Air Alaska DGI Geoscience US Donlin Gold LLC Dorsey & Whitney LLP DOWL 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. Fairbanks Economic Develpment Corporation Fairweather LLC First Bank First Things First Alaska Foundation Freegold Ventures Ltd Frontier Supply Company GCI Business General Refining Corporation Geosyntec Consultants Geotemps Inc. Global External Global Physical Asset Management, Inc. Gold Buyers of Alaska -dba:GBA Assaying & Refining Granite Construction Company Graphite One Inc. Graymont Great Northwest Inc. Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Ground Truth Americas Inc. HDR Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company Heliostar Metals HighGold Mining Ltd Holland & Hart LLP Holland America Line - Princess Cruises
Property Rights Foundation of America, Inc. Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Ram Enterprise, Inc. Ravn Alaska Redpath USA Corporation Regeneration Enterprises Remote Made Easy (PSSA) Remote Site Services Inc. Resource Development Council RESPEC Company, LLC Rotak Helicopter Services Roughstock Mining Services LLC Royal Gold Inc. Ruen Drilling Inc. Ryan Air Inc. Samson Tug & Barge Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology Sealaska Corporation Shoreside Petroleum Inc. SLR International Corporation Society For Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Soloy Helicopters LLC Sophie Station Suites - Fountainhead Hotels Sound Quarry Inc. Southeast Conference SRK Consulting 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. Ucore Rare Metals Inc. University Redi-Mix
Institute of Northern Engineering International Directional Services Ipop LLC ISCO Industries JCM Industries Inc. Juneau Economic Development Council Just Refiners USA, Inc. Kinross Alaska Klondike Placer Miners’ Association Knight Piesold & Company Koza Ltd USA Inc 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
Lynden Logistics M-W Drilling, Inc Madison Lumber & Hardware Inc. Mascott Equipment Company Matson McKinley Research Group Metco Alaska LLC MFCP Millrock Resources Inc. Mitsubishi Materials USA Corp Montana Mining Association Motion Industries NANA National Mining Association Nelson Irrigation Corporation Nevada Mining Association New Mexico Mining Association
Anchorage Sand & Gravel Inc. 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 Avidian Gold Corporation AVTEC - Alaska Vocational Technical Center BDO USA, LLP Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, 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 Builders Choice Modular, LLC 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 Colaska
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 Visit Anchorage Weir Minerals
Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Western Alaska Minerals Western Pacific Crane & Equipment
White Rock Minerals Ltd. Wolseley Industrial Group Women’s Mining Coalition World Trade Center Alaska Wyoming Mining Association
Pebble Limited Partnership Peggy Petroleum Products Perkins Coie LLP Petro Marine Services PND Engineers Inc. PolarX Limited
Yukon Chamber of Mines Zonge International Inc. www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I September 2022
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New and Renewing Members
header: 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 AECOM Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agricultural Bank Alaska Power & Telephone Company Arcticom LLC, a BSNC Company Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. Brice Inc. J Michael & Linda James Sam Maxwell Professionals Reed Boylan Zachary Garcia Mike Hinton John Holst William Jeffress Natalie King & Jeff Kase Don Maupin Melody C Mcallister Marti Miller Gary Mitchell Karen Nanara Thomas ‘John’ Nelson Jim & Nancy Oliver Steven Olson Eddie Packee Rogan Parker
James W & Jean Caswell Robert & Kathleen Christensen Stephen Connelly Bill Craig Jeff B & Peggy Darling Jeff DeFreest Stephen D’Esposito Kirby Donald Charles Dupree Judd & Gail Edgerton Brian Erickson Isaac Fage Joe Faulhaber
Chris Kennedy Arnie Lausted Jonathon Roder
Randy Powelson Eric Prendeville Mike Rawson Rob Retherford Ben Ryan John & Kristi Schaff Richard N Schok Jr.
Calista Corporation Delta Constructors
Geosyntec Consultants Global Physical Asset Management, Inc.
Glenn P Ruckhaus Veronica A Slajer J P & Valerie Tangen Taylor White Individuals Jerad Anderson Nathan Andrews Andy Angel Brad & Jessie Badger Tony Barajas John Barry Lee Beasley Carl Benson Mark Berger Mike Bethe Rodney Blakestad Louis Blom Fred & Leanne Bloom
Billy Fikes Jr. Aaron Finney
Ground Truth Americas Inc. Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company Heliostar Metals Mascott Equipment Company M-W Drilling, Inc Northspan Drilling Ltd. Northwest Mine Supply Nova Minerals Limited Orica USA Inc. Pathfinder Aviation, LLC Peggy Petroleum Products Petro Marine Services Regeneration Enterprises Ryan Air Inc. Samson Tug & Barge SLR International Corporation Temsco Helicopters Inc. Tower Hill Mines Inc. -
Edmund Fogels Dan Gallagher Bruce M Gamble Michael Garrett Christopher Gerteisen Tony Giardini Chris Gierymski Delaney Gill Ryan Goodrich Mark R Hamilton Nancy & Karl Hanneman Shalon Harrington Bruce Hellenga Thomas Hice Debra & Doyle Holmes Mark Immonen Alvin Jackson Craig Jennison
Luke Schranz Tom Shumka Richard & Cherie Solie Adam Stellar Sabrina Stickler Stephen “Steve” Stoney Eric Sundberg Deborah D Tompkins Frederick Transburg Jiro Uesugi David Watkins David Weisz Wayne Westberg Amanda Willingham David & Sharon Wright Mike Wyne Kenneth Yockey Frank Zylstra
Willie Bragg Luther Brice Peter J Browne Roger C Burggraf
Michelle Johnson Cassandra Joos Lela Klingert Albert Kubena Tisha Kuhns Rocky MacDonald
Livengood Project Trilogy Metals, Inc.
Joseph Burick Thomas Byron David Carnes
Operator Kim & Kirsty Ferguson
Not yet a member of the Alaska Miners Association? Or have not yet renewed your membership for 2022? Renew today so you don’t miss a single issue of The Alaska Miner or this year’s 2022 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.
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September 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Show us Your Favorite Outdoors Photos!
We know Alaska miners love all things wild in Alaska, but especially our wild Alaska fish, fowl and wildlife. Please share your favorite Alaska outdoors photos with us, for us to share with the readers of The Alaska Miner. Email your photos and the important information (who, where, what kind of fish or wildlife and how big, and any other pertinent details) to Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com. Include “Outdoors for the Alaska Miner” in the subject line. And to get this started, here’s Executive Director Deantha Skibinski with the 30-inch rainbow trout of a lifetime she caught recently!
J.P. TANGEN Attorney at Law (P.C.) ALASKA’S MINING ATTORNEY FROM PROSPECT TO RECLAMATION
Our flexibility and dedication have enabled us to become a top provider for the heavy civil construction and resource development industries. MOVING THE EARTH
907-222-3985 Toll Free 877-414-3985
P.O. Box 297 · Hansville, WA 98340 jpt@jptangen.com · skype: jptangen www.JPTangen.com
Rainer Trucking Inc. P.O. Box 72905 Fairbanks, AK 99707 EMAIL rainertruckinginc@yahoo.com PHONE (907) 457-2000 FAX (907) 455-4614
2 to 14 Axle Combinations Licensed & Bonded Lowboys
Flats Vans
• Mine Development and Infrastructure • Earth Moving • Liner Installation and Welding • Roads, Dams and Bridge Construction
• Shotcrete and Slurry • Structural Steel • Concrete Structures and Foundations • HDPE Piping
Rainer Equipment Inc. 2552 Steese Hwy. Fairbanks, AK 99712 PHONE (907) 457-8109 FAX (907) 457-2014
Mining Salvage and Reclamation
ak-gravel.com • (907) 746-4505
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I September 2022
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Alaska Mining Calendar
Dedicated to responsible development of Alaska’s resources.
n AMA Annual Convention and Trade Show: Nov. 6-10, Anchorage. Visit AlaskaMiners.org for more information. n RDC 43rd Annual Conference: Nov. 16-17, Dena’ina Center Anchorage n AEMA’s Annual Meeting: Dec. 4-9 Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks, Nev.
Geologic Consulting Geologic Staffing Geologic Engineering Reporting (including 43-101) Logistics/ Operation Coordination Remote Sie Management GIS Services Permitting Assistance Community Engagement Claims Staking Claims Administration Equipment Rental
AMA Branch Meetings
n AMA Statewide Branch meetings are scheduled bi-weekly through December 2022. These meetings are hosted on Zoom and take place at 7 a.m. Friday. For meeting schedule, please visit www. alaskaminers.org/ama-member-branches n Branches are meeting in-person! For your local branch schedule, please visit www.alaskaminers.org/ama- member-branches or contact Jennifer at jennifer@alaskaminers.org for information
— JUNEAU, ALASKA — AVAILABLE STATEWIDE
✓ CONSTRUCTION ✓ EXPLORATION ✓ CONTRACT
✓ SUPPORT ✓ CHARTER
Follow Alaska Miners Association on Twitter: @AlaskaMiners
operations@coastalhelicopters.com 907-789-5600 www.coastalhelicopters.com
And on Facebook: AlaskaMiners
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September 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
OXFORD BUYS PLACER GOLD FROM ALASKA MINERS, AND HAS FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. WE BUY GOLD
Oxford is proud to be the only gold re ner 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.
ANCHORAGE ■ FAIRBANKS ■ NOME ■
www.oxfordmetals.com 1.907.561.5237 ALASKA’S ONLY LOCAL REFINER BUY : SELL : TRADE
LIGHT UP COAL MINERS ALASKA
USIBELLI.COM
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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