A Message from the Executive Director
Dear AMA Members and Friends, Ever feel like we take one step forward, then get pushed two steps back? That’s never been truer than this week. As you already know, the Bureau of Land Management in late August reinforced the Biden Administration’s determination to lock up 28 million acres of Alaska from development or use of almost any kind, including mining. This includes the additional access critical to develop the Ambler Mining District that has been guaranteed to Alaska since the passage of ANILCA. Thanks for your support in this battle. But politics that threatens our people, our families, our state, and even our national security is really bad politics. We’ll keep you posted in the coming weeks and months as we look for a way forward and around this latest challenge. Thanks for your support in this battle. Thankfully, we in Alaska are not alone in this fight. One of my great blessings is to have the opportunity to gather with my peers who lead the state mining associations across the west. Most recently we gathered in Duluth, Minnesota. Execs from mining associations throughout the west, plus representatives from AEMA, the American Coal Council, Rocky Mountain Mining Institute and Women’s Mining Coalition spent several days touring Minnesota
and regulatory contexts. However, there are several common issues across these states that impact mining operations. All states face significant environmental management issues related to water pollution, habitat protection, and waste management. Ensuring sustainable practices and effective reclamation is crucial across these diverse environments. Navigating complex regulatory frameworks and securing necessary permits are common challenges. The regulatory requirements, while ostensibly to protect the environment and public health, are also a source of delay and increased costs for mining operations. Mining in remote or challenging locations requires robust infrastructure and logistical planning. Whether dealing with harsh weather in Alaska, land-use conflicts in Minnesota, or water scarcity in Nevada, effective infrastructure is essential for operational success. We are enjoying a boom in higher prices and skyrocketing demand. But we have all lived through the past busts, as well as the frustration of likewise rising costs of everything we use and the barriers that keep us from making the most of these competitive prices. Nobody ever said this job would be boring!
mines and also brainstorming about solutions to issues common to us all. Mining Minnesota, host of this tour, said it eloquently in their newsletter: “Americans have an unbelievable amount of minerals under out feet and although every state has a slightly different story to tell, we rapidly discovered we have many of the same challenges. Our collaboration council will continue to share strategies with each other and build off successes to ensure that every state has the ability to provide the minerals we all rely on as consumers.” Different as our home states may be, we share a lot of common challenges. Mines in Alaska, Minnesota, and Nevada for example, each encounter unique challenges due to their distinct geographic, environmental, Congressman Pete Stauber, Mark Compton with AEMA, and Deantha at the recent Western States Mining Collaboration Council.
Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director
Executive Board Lorali Simon, President Blake Bogart, First Vice President Houston Morris, Second Vice President Kim Aasand, Treasurer Follow us anytime: Online at AlaskaMiners.org Like us on Facebook at Alaska Miners Association Follow us on Twitter @alaskaminers Follow us on Instagram @alaska.miners
Branch Chairmen Ted Hawley, Anchorage Ethan Trickey, Denali Dave Larimer, Fairbanks Jan Hill, Haines Jason Hart, Juneau Houston Morris, Kenai Ken Hughes, Nome Robert Fithian, Ketchikan/Prince of Wales
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. 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
Committee Chairmen Kevin Adler, Convention
Alaska Miners Association Staff Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director
Mike Satre and JP Tangen, Federal Oversight Blake Bogart and Dave Larimer, State Oversight
Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director Carin Currier, Projects & Communications Manager Darlene Strickland, Bookkeeper/Membership
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I September 2024
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