When the new administration was elected, AMA immediately contacted the Governor, his policy advisors and his commissioner designees with a list of our priority issues. We told them that if Alaska was to be “open for business” to the mining industry that the No. 1, top-of-the-page issue that should be addressed is mineral tenure. We warned them that “Alaska cannot attract the investments needed to explore and develop its mineral resources with this risk to land tenure in place,” and that we as industry stood ready to provide solutions to “prevent the senseless loss of mining claims from minor, correctable errors.” We are still waiting. And so are the companies that want to invest in this state. It is time for the leadership team at DNR to take up this issue and settle it once and for all. While not a permanent solution, we know there are things they can do operationally, and possibly through regulation, to ensure that clerical errors do not cause a loss of a claim. The next step would be to meet in good faith with knowledgeable legislators to support
legislation that would fix the problem. But, more importantly to those who are waiting to invest in Alaska, a clear and concise statement from DNR leadership that the problem exists and that they are committed to supporting the solution proffered by the Alaska Miners Association would work wonders. A few weeks ago, hundreds of members and friends of the Alaska Miners Association gathered at the Matanuska Brewery to celebrate Alaska Mining Day and to kick off our 80th anniversary celebration. We all know the future of mining in Alaska is extremely bright and that the past 80 years are just the beginning of our history. We know that this administration sees this bright future and we look forward to working with them.
Mike Satre AMA President
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• 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
ak-gravel.com • (907) 746-4505
July 2019
The Alaska Miner
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