President’s Message From Bill Jeffress
COVID-19, Politics and Mining
Just when the Alaska mining industry, small and large operators, believe there is a somewhat set course to deal with COVID-19 and more typical operating issues, we find ourselves in the middle of the biggest political game in decades. C ancellation of the 2020 AMA Convention and
that are controversial and a pain to work through, but the state provided the ways and means to ensure mining can continue. Just when the Alaska mining industry, small and large operators, believe there is a somewhat set course to deal with COVID-19 and more typical operating issues, we find ourselves in the middle of the biggest political game in decades. Natural resource development projects are governed by decades of federal and state statutes and regulations. Oh, let us not forget case law set by federal and state judiciary. Project environmental reviews have numerous provisions for checks and balance and has the most rigorous process in the world. On one hand our political leaders tout the agencies reviewing projects and the process, but in creeps uncertainty based on political whims and personal bias. Hopefully, some of the theatrics will wean away after the November elections. Alaska miners and other resource development industries have other concerns regarding the economic struggles and uncertainty on how new federal and state processes will be implemented, such as the new federal definition of Water of the United States (WOTUS) and state statutes and regulations related to mineral tenure (SB155) and Instream Flow Reservations. The Alaska Miners Association will continue to work hard on these issues and represent the industry to the best of our ability, which also means we will continue to rely on the experience and expertise of our membership as these and new issues arise.
Trade Show is just one aspect of the collateral damage inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions, uncertainty as to the availability of the Dena’ina Center and potential capacity limits were part of a hard decision by the Convention Committee and Executive Board to cancel the event. AMA staff reviewed results from the survey, tracked other trade organizations’ status and reviewed multiple options for a virtual trade show, technical sessions and short course before presenting all the options to the Convention Committee and Executive Board for a final decision. Aside from cancelling the largest fundraiser that ensures the sustainability of AMA, we have lost our greatest venue for new project updates, technical short courses, regulatory updates, trade show, mining district and AMA chapter reports, and the best form for networking. This is a major setback, but now the industry and AMA are focusing on what the future brings and how we will be prepared to face new challenges that COVID-19 presents. The State of Alaska and local communities have established emergency orders and rules that have allowed what has been classified as an “essential industry” to continue operating in such a way as to protect workers and susceptible communities. Alaska Critical Infrastructure COVID-19 Community / Workforce Protective Plans and instructions on developing plans have given the industry the tools needed to continue working the 2020 placer mining season and set a standard for the larger year-round operations. There are provisions required in the plans
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The Alaska Miner
October 2020
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