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
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Howard Grey and JP Tangen, Federal Oversight Mike Satre and Lorali Simon, State Oversight
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I September 2022
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