THE ALASKA MINER MAGAZINE: Our magazine is published quarterly and delivered to both the members of the Alaska Miners Association and to key decision-makers and leaders in Alaska and beyond. Our goal is to educate, advocate, and lead our industry as one of the strongest, oldest, and most productive corporate citizens in Alaska. AMA’s mission is to promote responsible mineral development in Alaska. We provide key communication between our members, the industry, and policymakers in and out of Alaska. Each issue includes news and information important to our industry and our constituents.
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July 2020 Volume 48, Number 7
Miners remain
essential Alaskans Vital work continues during pandemic
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
View From Young Miners COVID-19 Won’t Stop Miners Faces of Mining: Curt Freeman Ambler Moves Forward
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Clayton Dunn Sales and PSSR Fairbanks Branch
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Fort Knox Mine. While a third-generation miner, she also speaks eloquently with a very today generation perspective about the joy of working every day in an industry that produces critical raw materials. 4Y^TOPdZ`bTWWʭYO[]ZʭWP^ZQʭaPZQZ`]VPd^`[ - porting member companies, across the broad spectrum of professions and services that support mining and AMA. It is an honor to recognize each of them. We also are sharing our annual The Economic Ben- Pʭ_^ZQ8TYTYRTY,WL^VL]P[Z]_QZ] []P[L]POL^ always by the McDowell Group. 4Y $,WL^VLɪ^XTYTYRTYO`^_]d[]ZaTOPO% !OT]PN_XTYTYRUZM^TY,WL^VL $ _Z_LWOT]PN_LYOTYOT]PN_UZM^L__]TM`_PO_Z Alaska mining industry. " XTWWTZYTY_Z_LWOT]PN_LYOTYOT]PN_[Ld]ZWW >ZXPZQ,WL^VLɪ^STRSP^_[LdTYRUZM^bT_SLY P^_TXL_POLaP]LRPLYY`LWbLRPZQ #XZ]P_SLY _bTNP_SP^_L_PLaP]LRP QZ]LWW^PN_Z]^ZQ_SP economy. $37 million in local government revenue. XTWWTZYTY^_L_PRZaP]YXPY_]PaPY`P_S]Z`RS mining licenses, rents, royalties, fees and taxes, and other government-related payments. XTWWTZYTY[LdXPY_^_Z,WL^VL9L_TaPNZ][Z - rations. Mostly year-round jobs for residents of more than !NZXX`YT_TP^_S]Z`RSZ`_,WL^VLSLWQZQbSTNSL]P found in rural Alaska where few other jobs are available. As is our pledge to keep you informed, we also take a hard look at some critical threats to our industry, spe- NTʭNLWWd_Z_SPQ`_`]PZQXTYTYRPO`NL_TZYSP]P-Z_S_SP engineering programs at all University of Alaska cam- puses, and the key technical training provided by the Mining and Petroleum Training Service are in peril as part of the larger budget threats to all higher-education programs in Alaska. Our locally trained, homegrown Alaska miners might be the most valuable resource we SLaPLYO_SPXZ^_N]T_TNLW[L]_ZQZ`]TYO`^_]dɪ^Q` - ture. Tim Bradner gives us a detailed glimpse at what it means and what the future could look like. 1TYLWWdTQdZ`bLY_TY^[T]L_TZYTY_SPL]_ZQbSL_ɪ^ possible in Alaska, you will also read about the new project being launched by Usibelli Investments in Fair- MLYV^_Z_LNVWPZYPZQ_SP2ZWOPY.T_dɪ^MTRRP^_NSLW - lenges, air quality hampered by wood-burning heat- P]^@^TMPWWTɪ^YPbaPY_`]PbT_S,`]Z]L=P^Z`]NP^bTWW []ZaTOPNWPLYM`]YTYRNZ^_PʬPN_TaPQ`PWQZ]1LT]MLYV^ ]P^TOPY_^bT_S_SPNT_dɪ^ʭ]^_bZZOVTWY Thanks for what you do personally, and we do together to deliver for our industry, our state and our nation every day. Thanks for being essential!
AMA Members and Friends,
You know the old saying about “when the going gets tough …” ,YO bTWWNP]_LTYWd\`LWTQdL^_Z`RSQZ]_SP world in general and Alaska in particular. But when things get tough in Alaska, miners get to work. :`]TYO`^_]dbL^ZYPZQ_SPʭ]^_TOPY_TʭPOL^P^^PY - _TLWMd2Za8TVP/`YWPLad?SL_]PʮPN_^MZ_S_SPN]T_T - cal minerals and products we produce, and the key role XTYTYR[WLd^TY,WL^VLɪ^PNZYZXd While others are asking for help, asking for bail- outs and rent holidays, we have gone to work every day, living and working with the “new normal” — social distancing and travel restrictions, yet still every day ʭYOTYRLYOPc_]LN_TYR_SPN]T_TNLWXTYP]LW^_SL_[ZbP] our economy. Miners are essential. But this month, we think it is time to tell some of the positives that have happened in our Alaska mining NZXX`YT_d^ZbPɪaPOPaZ_POX`NSZQ_ST^^`XXP]T^ - ^`PZQ?SP,WL^VL8TYP]_Z[]ZʭWP^LYO^_Z]TP^Q]ZX_SP people and companies that make mining possible. :`]]PN`]]TYR1LNP^ZQ8TYTYRQPL_`]PT^[]ZʭWTYR .`]_1]PPXLYbSZ]PNPY_Wd]P_T]POLQ_P]XZ]P_SLY years of active exploration in Alaska but continues to write about the opportunities and challenges for Alaska miners. You will meet Danielle Snodgrass, one of the newest generation of miners, who plays a key role at Kinross
Deantha Crockett AMA Executive Director ctor
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The Alaska Miner
July 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
*\IGYXMZI)MVIGXSVƶW 7ITSVX 1IXXIVJVSQ5VIWMHIRX 'MPP/IǺVIWW &QFPIV2SZIW+SV[EVH ;LEXƶW+YXYVISJ&PEWOE 2MRMRK*HYGEXMSR$ =SYRK2MRIVW )ERMIPPIRSHKVEWW +EGIWSJ2MRMRK (YVX+VIIQER 3I[.RMXMEXMZI8LVIEX XS)IZIPSTQIRX 2MRMRKƶW*GSRSQMG 'IRIǻXW 5VSǻPI 9(2ƶW 8VEZMW,YLVX *PIQIXEP +SGYW SR(YWXSQIVW XERXIG 8EOMRK2MRIW (VEHPIXS,VEZI ERHZMO 3I[8IGLRSPSK] )VMZIW.RRSZEXMSR 7]ER&MV .QTVSZMRK 7YVEPIVZMGI ,(. (SRRIGXMRK&PEWOE 2MRMRK'YWMRIWW ERHIVZMGI)MVIGXSV] (YXW8LVIEXIR2&58
8LISǽGMEPQEKE^MRISJXLI &PEWOE2MRIVW&WWSGMEXMSRERH XLIQMRMRKMRHYWXV]MR&PEWOE
438-*(4:*7 ;LMPIXLI(4:.) TERHIQMGLEWFVSYKLXQER] FYWMRIWWIWXSELEPXMR&PEWOEQMRIW ERHQMRIVWVIQEMRERIWWIRXMEP MRHYWXV]ERHLEZIGSRXMRYIHXS[SVO ERHTVSHYGIYRHIVXLIRI[VYPIW SJHMWXERGMRK;ITVSǻPIERYQFIV SJXLSWIGSQTERMIWMRXLMWMWWYISJ 8LI&PEWOE2MRIV4RSYVGSZIVXLMW MRGPYHIWXLIRI[KIRIVEXMSRSJ&PEWOE QMRIVWPMOI8VEZMW,YLVXEQEMRXIRERGI WYTIVZMWSVEX9WMFIPPM(SEP2MRI1IEVR QSVIEFSYX8VEZMWSR5EKI ERHSXLIV ]SYRKQMRIVWIPWI[LIVIMRXLMWMWWYI Photo courtesy Usibelli Coal Mine
8-.5&,* &RI[KIRIVEXMSRSJ]SYRKQMRIVWMWXEOMRKEREGXMZIHEMP]TEVX MRXSHE]ƶWWYGGIWWERHXSQSVVS[ƶWJYXYVIJSVXLI&PEWOEQMRMRKMRHYWXV]PMOI 8EQEVE;IPPW[LSMWEQMRIFPEWXIVEX8IGO7IH)SK2MRI;EXGLJSVETVSǻPI SJ8EQEVEMR4GXSFIVƶW&PEWOE2MRIV Photo courtesy Teck Red Dog
The Alaska Miner is dedicated to those who work in and support the mining industry in Alaska, its commitment to the people, and resources of our state. Our magazine is published quarterly and delivered to both the members of the Alaska Miners Association and to key decision makers and leaders in Alaska and beyond. Our goal is to educate, advocate and lead our industry as one of the strongest, oldest LYOXZ^_[]ZO`N_TaPNZ][Z]L_PNT_TePY^TY,WL^VL,8,ɪ^XT^^TZYT^_Z[]ZXZ_P]P^[ZY^TMWPXTYP]LW development in Alaska.
EDITORIAL CALENDAR
ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION STAFF
4GXSFIV Anchorage Convention 2020 /ERYEV] Legislative and Season Preview
Executive Director
)IERXLE(VSGOIXX /IRRMJIV1YMXIR )EVPIRIXVMGOPERH
Membership and Fundraising Director
&TVMP Project Updates /YP] People in Mining
Bookkeeping and Membership
EXECUTIVE BOARD
BRANCH CHAIRMEN
'MPP/IǺVIWW President, SRK Consulting, Anchorage 'EVXP]0PIZIR First Vice President, Kinross–Fort Knox, Fairbanks 1SVEPMMQSR Second Vice President, Usibelli Coal Mine, Healy 0MQ&EWERH Treasurer, Aasand & Glore LLC., Anchorage
-SYWXSR2SVVMW Kenai
8IH-E[PI] Anchorage 1SVEPMMQSR Denali 2EVO-YǽRKXSR Fairbanks 1M^(SVRINS Haines /MQ(PEVO Juneau
'PEOI'SKEVX Nome &RHVI[TSOIP] Ketchikan/
Prince of Wales
The Alaska Miner 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. For advertising information or news tips, call or email publisher Lee Leschper at 907-957-6025 or Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com.
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July 2020
The Alaska Miner
Ʋ5VIWMHIRXƶW2IWWEKI+VSQ'MPP/IJJVIWW K
What a wild ride for _SPʭ]^_SLWQZQ
“Although many of us in the mining industry and our vendors may be impacted from the pandemic, we can again step forward and help sustain these tourism industry businesses ƋĘųŅƚčĘƋĘĜŸÚĜþÏƚĬƋŸå±ŸŅĹţŰ J anuary brought unprecedented optimism for the upcoming exploration and mining season. In January, Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his three
stepped up to help others through donations to food banks, .STWO]PYɪ^7`YNS-ZcSZXPWP^^^SPW_P]^_SP>LWaL_TZY,]Xd and other charities. 9ZbbT_S,WL^VLZ[PYTYRMLNV`[bPL]P^PPTYR_SP collateral damage to industries, businesses and individuals as a result of the pandemic. The oil industry, fishing and mining industries are slowly ramping up, and although it will take time to recover, there is a clear path forward. @YQZ]_`YL_PWd_Z`]T^X_SL_PX[WZd^ZYP ZQPaP]d#UZM^ in Alaska is a non-starter this season. All but a couple of the major cruise lines have canceled their scheduled cruises to ,WL^VL?SL_XPLY^XZ]P_SLY XTWWTZYPc[PN_POaT^T_Z]^ will not be coming to Alaska this season, hotels will not open, rail excursions are canceled, flightseeing, fishing charters, river rafting, whale watching, glacier adventures, local vendors, and restaurants will not have the seasonal clientele that sustains many of these businesses and their employees. Tourism is a major component of our Alaska economy LYOT_T^Yɪ_U`^_M`^TYP^^P^T_ɪ^Z`]YPTRSMZ]^LYOQPWWZb Alaskans. Although many of us in the mining industry and our vendors may be impacted from the pandemic, we can again step forward and help sustain these tourism industry businesses through this difficult season. Many of us who have lived in Alaska for years have never taken the opportunity to really see all the wonders that this great state has to offer. 9ZbT^_SP_TXP_ZOTYPZ`_TYZYPZQZ`]R]PL_ restaurants, charter a fishing trip, go for a rafting adventure, take a flightseeing tour, take a helicopter ride to a glacier, visit your local microbrewery, or go on a whale- and marine life-watching cruise. See Alaska, support our fellow Alaskans, and be a vital component of our economy.
.ZXXT^^TZYP]^ZQ/P[L]_XPY_^ZQ9L_`]LW=P^Z`]NP^ Environmental Conservation, and Fish and Game attended _SP,^^ZNTL_TZYZQ8TYP]LW0c[WZ]L_TZY,80=Z`YO`[TY Vancouver, B.C. The Governor and his Commissioners demonstrated their support for the Alaska mining industry and invited exploration and mining companies to come to Alaska. That visit and the robust global economy set the stage for what looked like a stellar exploration and mining season in Alaska. Ah, but then came another “made in China” product that reshaped the overall health of the global population and our PNZYZXTN^?SPNZ]ZYLaT]`^.:A4/ $SL^NWLTXPOXZ]P _SLY WTaP^TY_SP@YT_PO>_L_P^bT_SXZ]P_SLY! million people infected worldwide. The death toll from this pandemic is just one anguishing aspect of this tragedy. The other is the economic devastation that has engulfed many parts of the country and the world. Alaska has been fortunate with a low infection rate compared with other states, but we are paying the price from the resulting mandatory shutdown of “non-essential” businesses and “hunker down” prescription set in motion to NZXML__SP^[]PLOZQ.:A4/ $ 8Z]P_SLY ,WL^VLY^SLaPQTWPOQZ] unemployment. This is staggering when considering Alaska SL^L[Z[`WL_TZYU`^_LMZaP" [PZ[WPNZ`[WPObT_SL drastic increase in the cost of doing business and curtailed production from essential industries such as oil/gas and mining. The upside to the lost revenue to the state and municipalities is how Alaskans and Alaska industries such as mining companies and the major oil and gas producers have
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The Alaska Miner
July 2020
8TYTYRɩP^^PY_TLWɪ despite shutdowns
our mines have remained virus-free and still producing. The restrictions have reduced or limited some exploration and drill- ing operations planned for what was to be a booming year of new exploration and increased develop- ment. And also limited travel both in and out of the state with a corre- sponding impact on new business. Yet through it all, our members have persevered and moved for- ward, while also giving back and supporting our other neighbors who are less fortunate. In this issue of The Alaska Miner, read about the good work our members are doing, as well as some of the challenges we will face in the months and years ahead.
Alaska mining is essential. BPɪaP LWbLd^ VYZbY T_ LYO worked like it. While much of Alaska has hun- kered down, shut down and worked from home since March under trav- el restrictions imposed by the Gov- ernor to avoid the spread of the .:A4/ $aT]`^,WL^VLXTYP]^SLaP kept working. 8TYTYRT^ZYPZQ,WL^VLɪ^TYO`^ - tries deemed essential and allowed to continue working despite the .:A4/ $[LYOPXTN]P^_]TN_TZY^ BPSLaPLW^ZLWbLd^QZN`^POʭ]^_ and foremost on safety in our op- erations, for our employees and for our neighbors. In that spirit, Alas- VLɪ^ XTYP^ LYO ^P]aTNP NZX[LYTP^ have adopted stringent distancing and quarantine rules that have en- sured that — for the most part —
— The Editor
Photo courtesy Usibelli Coal Mine
BUILDING ALASKA ONE OUNCE AT A TIME
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July 2020
The Alaska Miner
Photo courtesy Ambler Metals &QFPIV2IXEPW11(MWXLIRI[TEVXRIVWLMTFIX[IIRI\TPSVIV8VMPSK]2IXEPWERH&YWXVEPMERQMRMRKGSQTER]SYXL1XH 9Pb,XMWP]8P_LW^XZaP^LSPLO with Upper Kobuk Expansion
ZY ]P^Z`]NP OPʭYT_TZY TX[]ZaTYR XP_LWW`]RTNLW `YOP] - ^_LYOTYRTYNW`OTYR[TWZ_[WLY__P^_bZ]VL^bPWWL^TYQ]L - structure studies. Regional Exploration 1ZWWZbTYR`[Q]ZX_SP $bZ]V[P]QZ]XPOLWZYR_SP "XTWP,XMWP]A8>MPW_NZY_LTYTYR_SP,]N_TN[]ZUPN_ ,XMWP] 8P_LW^ [WLYYPO _Z NZY_TY`P Pc[WZ]L_TZY PʬZ]_^ within the Ambler VMS including drilling and soil geo- NSPXT^_]d LYLWd^T^ _Z OT^NZaP] LYO OPʭYP [Z_PY_TLW OP - posits. As part of this work, Ambler Metals will follow-up ZY_SP^`NNP^^Q`W $O]TWWTYRNLX[LTRYL__SP>`Y^STYP OP[Z^T__ZNZYʭ]XT_^[Z_PY_TLWL^LOOT_TZYLWQPPOQZ]_SP Arctic project. Bornite Deposit ;]TZ]_Z_SPLOaPY_ZQ.:A4/ $,XMWP]8P_LW^[WLYYPO _ZQZWWZb`[Q]ZX_SP[L^__S]PPʭPWO^PL^ZY^ZQO]TWWTYR " #LYO $ This work focused on geological mapping and geo- chemical soil sampling over the northern Cosmos Hills and a review of drill core and surface exposures to determine the extent of the high-grade zones of copper mineraliza- tion. This work is intended to allow Ambler Metals to tar- get future drilling designed to further the understanding of the Bornite deposit.
SPECIAL TO THE ALASKA MINER Trilogy Metals Inc., a long-time explorer of the Ambler 8TYTYR/T^_]TN_TYYZ]_SbP^_,WL^VLLYO>Z`_S 7_OLY Australian based international mining company, announced _SPQZ]XL_TZYZQ,XMWP]8P_LW^77.ZY1PM Ambler Metals is a private, independently operated NZX[LYd ZbYPO P\`LWWd Md ?]TWZRd LYO >Z`_S ,XMWP] 8P_LW^ɪ^ZWPQZN`^T^_ZbZ]VNZWWLMZ]L_TaPWdbT_S9,9,_Z explore and advance the resource potential, including the Arctic project and Bornite deposit, in the Ambler Mining District; collectively referred to as the Upper Kobuk Mineral ;]ZUPN_^ɩ@68;ɪ As part of the formation of Ambler Metals, Trilogy Metals NZY_]TM`_POLWWT_^L^^P_^L^^ZNTL_PObT_S_SP " !" SPN_ - L]P@68;LYO>Z`_S NZY_]TM`_PO XTWWTZY]P^`W_TYR TYPLNS[L]_dZbYTYRL [P]NPY_TY_P]P^_TY,XMWP]8P_ - als. The funds will be used to advance the Arctic project and further regional exploration. ?SPL[[]ZaPO []ZR]LXTYNW`OPOLM`ORP_ZQ # XTWWTZY3ZbPaP]O`P_Z.:A4/ $,XMWP]8P_LW^T^`Y - OP]_LVTYRL]PaTPbZQT_^ ʭPWO[]ZR]LX[WLY^_ZPY^`]P that safety of everyone involved is held paramount. Any ac- _TaT_d_SL_T^`YLMWP_ZZNN`]TY bTWWMP]P^NSPO`WPO
Arctic Project >_`OdLN_TaT_dQZ]_SP,]N_TN;]ZUPN_TY bTWWQZN`^
6
The Alaska Miner
July 2020
We major on the Miners.
Arctic engineering and environmental services.
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At Shoreside Petroleum we recognize a “severe service” environment when we see one. We also understand the importance of fuel and lubricants to your operation, which is why we’re there for you 24/7, 365 days a year.
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victor.ross@stantec.com Steve Reidsma, PWS (907) 450-1425 steve.reidsma@stantec.com
shoresidepetroleum.com l
PETRO 49 compan i es
Alaskan owned and operated
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July 2020
The Alaska Miner
,WL^VLXTYPPO`NL_TZY% BSL_ɪ^_SPQ`_`]P* Photo by Lee Leschper 9RMZIVWMX]SJ&PEWOEIRKMRIIVMRKWXYHIRXWEXXLI9RMZIVWMX]'VIEOJEWXEX3SZIQFIVƶWERRYEPGSRZIRXMSRMR&RGLSVEKI8LIWI ERHSXLIVQMRMRKWXYHIRXWJEGIERYRGIVXEMRJYXYVIEWXLI9RMZIVWMX]W]WXIQGSRWMHIVWWIZIVIGYXWXSIRKMRIIVMRKERHSXLIV QMRMRKVIPEXIHTVSKVEQW
science and technical training pro- grams that supply trained graduates to natural resources industries like mining are under pressure. @YTaP]^T_d ZQ ,WL^VL 1LT]MLYV^ɪ College of Engineering and Mines will ^PPT_^M`ORP_N`_ YPc_dPL]?SL_ QZWWZb^ LY N`_ QZ] _SP LNLOPXTN year just ended, says Bill Schnabel, dean of the college. Kenrick Mock, dean at University ZQ,WL^VL,YNSZ]LRPɪ^.ZWWPRPZQ0Y - gineering, says his college will see a
^TXTWL] N`_ YPc_ dPL] -Z_S @,1 and UAA will be able to hold things together through next year essential- ly with band-aids, before more bud- RP_ N`_^ WZZX @,ɪ^ M`ORP_ ZaP]LWW for next year for all of its campuses LYO[]ZR]LX^T^OZbY XTWWTZY ?ST^QZWWZb^L XTWWTZY]PO`N_TZY for the current year. State funds pro- vided annually to UA have been cut by XTWWTZY^TYNP
Budget cuts loom, setting the stage for uncertainty
BY TIM BRADNER
For The Alaska Miner The University of Alaska is being hammered on its budgets. This means that the engineering,
CONTINUED on PAGE 10
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The Alaska Miner
July 2020
the program review. Civil, structur- al, and electrical engineering at both UAF and UAA teach many students and scored well in the analysis. However, other more specialized programs that have fewer students did not score as well. At UAF, min- ing engineering and geological engi- neering fell into this category and ap- peared headed for the chopping block. At UAA, courses in project man- agement and geomatics were threat- ened. Project management survived. A two-year Associate Degree course in geomatics was cut while a four- year geomatics Bachelor of Science course was saved. In Fairbanks, UAF Chancellor Dan White intervened and was able to take XTYTYR PYRTYPP]TYR Zʬ _SP ST_ WT^_ Given the historical legacy of mining in Interior Alaska, it would have been huge black mark against UAF to have ended mining engineering, he felt. The geological engineering pro- gram was also retained, although rec- ommended for restructuring. It will be reduced from four full time facul- ty members to two full time faculty XPXMP]^ M`_ bTWW NZY_TY`P _Z ZʬP] Q`WWʮPORPO LNN]POT_PO ->N OPR]PP^ in geological engineering, as well as ZʬP]_SPXL^_P]ɪ^[]ZR]LX Schnabel indicated that this will be accomplished through course sharing with other UAF programs. “For instance, there are elements in geological engineering that are similar enough to civil engineering such that faculty in civil engineer- TYRNLYʭWWRL[^ɮSP^LTO3ZbPaP] because geological engineering relies much more heavily upon a founda- tional knowledge of geology com- pared to civil engineering, the two programs will remain very distinct. 8TYTYR PYRTYPP]TYR T^ OTʬP]PY_ 1LN`W_dQ]ZXZ_SP]PYRTYPP]TYRʭPWO^ cannot be used as easily. The bottom line appears to be that geological engineering can be taught by two GE professors with help from faculty in civil engineering, mining engineering, geology, and other areas. But in mining engineering a higher Y`XMP]ZQOT^NT[WTYP^[PNTʭNXTYTYR engineering faculty are needed. UAF is hiring to replace a retiring mining engineering professor to keep _SP[]ZR]LX^_LʬPO>NSYLMPW^LTO In all likelihood, this kind of band- aid approach is how the university will get through next year and similar
The damage this would cause to Southeast communities where the `YTaP]^T_d[WLd^LMTR]ZWPɨTYʭ^S - eries and maritime training, for ex- ample — likely mean the broader, long-term costs may not be worth any immediate savings. Meanwhile in Fairbanks, the engi- neering and other programs import- ant to the minerals and petroleum industries are not immune to these pressures. Engineering and technol- ogy programs at UAF went through a meat-grinder of a course review and discussion of program consolidation, Dean Schnabel said. This happened across the univer- sity system but there was particu- lar attention focused on engineer- ing programs at UAF and University of Alaska Anchorage, or UAA, be- cause of similarities in programs ZʬP]PO .TaTW XPNSLYTNLW PWPN_]TNLW and computer engineering as well as computer science are taught on both campuses. This raised questions as wheth- er there could be savings if the pro- grams worked more closely together so that, for example, each campus would teach certain classes with stu- dents at the other campus attending on-line. This is already occurring to a lim- ited degree in engineering, but com- plications appear when people get into the details, Schnabel said. :YP bL^ _SP OTʬP]PYNP^ TY NWL^^ schedules at the two campuses due [L]_Wd_Z_SPOTʬP]PY_YL_`]P^ZQ@,, and UAF. UAA serves mainly commut- er students and UAF mainly residen- tial students. The content of courses T^OTʬP]PY_PYZ`RS_Z[P]SL[^]P\`T]P approval by accreditation agencies. The program to consider major consolidations was initiated last year when the governor proposed a huge N`_ _Z _SP `YTaP]^T_dɪ^ M`ORP_ He later agreed to a smaller reduc- tion. That consolidation study was suspended in October, to allow UAF to complete its accreditation. The suspension is likely tempo- rary. Budget pressures will bring it back. Meanwhile, program “reviews,” were also underway. This involved an examination of courses with low stu- dent counts that could be dropped or NZY_TY`POTYLOTʬP]PY_bLd0^^PY - tially it was system-wide cost-bene- ʭ_LYLWd^T^ The bulk of UAF and UAA engi- neering programs made it through
FUTURE, CONTINUED from PAGE 8
?SP `YTaP]^T_dɪ^ -ZL]O ZQ =PRPY_^ and its president, Jim Johnsen, have the unenviable job of dealing with this. They knew in advance about XTWWTZYZ]SLWQZQ_SP XTWWTZY cut, which is part of a three-year deal with Gov. Mike Dunleavy to reduce _SP`YTaP]^T_dɪ^NZ^_^ The regents had developed a plan _ZOPLWbT_S_SP XTWWTZY But what blindsided them was _SPLOOT_TZYLW XTWWTZY]PO`N_TZY NL`^POMd_SP.:A4/ $aT]`^bSTNS forced a closure to on-campus classes and activity in March. -PdZYO OT]PN_ .:A4/ $ Pc[PY^ - es is a big budget hole from revenues lost from student housing and income from conferences and events. /PLWTYRbT_S_SPʭ]^_ XTWWTZY was tough. It involved administra- _TaP ^LaTYR^ _S]Z`RS ^_Lʬ Q`]WZ`RS^ `YTaP]^T_dOPM_]PʭYLYNTYRL^bPWWL^ termination or shrinking of 45 cours- es. There was no plan for the second XTWWTZYbSTNSMPNLXPVYZbY ZYWdLQ_P]_SP.:A4/ $ST_?SPZYWd option was to pull money from sav- TYR^ ?SL_ bTWW ]`Y _SP `YTaP]^T_dɪ^ emergency cash reserves down to a minimum set by the regents, not a comfortable place to be. Another shortfall looms for next dPL]1D 4_T^L XTWWTZYN`_ _Z^_L_PQ`YO^QZ]_SPʭYLWdPL]ZQ_SP Dunleavy deal. There will also likely MPNZY_TY`PO.:A4/ $TX[LN_^ 3LaTYR U`^_ ʭYT^SPO _SP 1D budget the regents and President Johnsen and the regents are now scrambling to develop a budget plan QZ]1D ?SPd X`^_ SLaP L [WLY _Z ʭWW _SP hole by October, when the regents adopt a budget request for the fol- lowing year. One idea on the table is merging the University of Alaska Southeast, or UAS, into the University of Alaska Fairbanks, or UAF, eliminating one of the three independent universities in the UA system. There are doubts that this can save a lot of money unless UAS as it functions now is essentially gutted. An initial estimate is that it might ^LaP XTWWTZYLdPL]M`__SL_T^ if the consolidation were done “ag- gressively,” Johnsen said, implying not much would be left of UAS as we know it.
CONTINUED on PAGE 12
10
The Alaska Miner
July 2020
Dear Alaskans, Pebble has a clear path forward. This is an exciting time for us — and for all Alaskans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revoked the pre-emptive veto against Pebble. This signals a fair, equitable, and reliable permitting process. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) — a thorough and objective evaluation which shows clearly that Pebble FDQFRH[LVWZLWKWKHƓVKHULHV :HDUHFRPPLWWHGWRDSURMHFWWKDWEHQHƓWV all Alaskans. It is time to move forward. Tom Collier, CEO Pebble Partnership
A CLEAR PATH FORWARD
11
July 2020
The Alaska Miner
LNN]POT_L_TZY* BT_SZ`_ OPR]PP^ Q]ZX accredited institutions, graduates will have a harder time getting jobs. Schnabel said the solution to this is a rethinking of courses and course content along with standardization of similar courses between UAF and UAA, and even UAS if it is continued, so that the available faculty resources NLYMP`^POXZ]PPʯNTPY_Wd This would take time but there could be substantial long-term sav- ings. “If we have a senior faculty mem- MP] ]P_T]TYR LYO bP NLY SLaP NZYʭ - dence that we can rely on faculty at UA to teach essentially the same class, bPɪWWMP`YOP]WP^^[]P^^`]Pɮ>NSYL - bel said. But this will take a lot of coordina- tion and buy-in from not only faculty but other stakeholders. Industries like mining and oil and gas, where company recruiters must SLaP NZYʭOPYNP TY _SP \`LWT_d ZQ teaching and the courses, have a big stake in this. Tim Bradner is copublisher of the Alaska Economic Report and Alaska Legislative Digest
FUTURE, CONTINUED from PAGE 10
measures are being taken all through the system as budgets tighten. ɭ4YPaT_LMWd bPɪWW SLaP QPbP] ^_Lʬ LN]Z^^ _SP bSZWP NZWWPRP BP NLY ʭWW some of the gaps with adjunct faculty [L]__TXPTY^_]`N_Z]^QZ]_PX[Z]L]d vacancies, but this is just putting your ʭYRP]TY_SPOTVPɮ>NSYLMPW^LTO At UAA, Mock said the School of Engineering faculty count is down ʭaP ZaP] _SP WL^_ _bZ dPL]^ MP_bPPY retirements and faculty leaving for Z_SP]UZM^WPLaTYRLMZ`_ QLN`W_dTY the engineering school. A merging of the instruction work- load between UAF and UAA is already happening in computer science and engineering, where classes taught by faculty at one school are attended on- line from the other. , ^TRYTʭNLY_ []ZMWPX PXP]RP^ when there are retirements, however. ɭBP SLaP _Z ZʬP] _SP NZ`]^P^ which means we have to rehire to re- [WLNPM`__SP]Pɪ^YZXZYPdɮ>NSYL - bel said. Meanwhile, what about the year LQ_P]* 3Zb XLYd XZ]P N`_^ NLY _SP university take without jeopardizing
Photo by Lee Leschper
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12
The Alaska Miner
July 2020
Supporting Mineral Exploration and Responsible Development in Alaska’s Mineral Rich Interior
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Doyon’s 12.5 million acres of ANCSA lands extend across Alaska’s mineral rich interior. Much of this is in historic mining districts and areas recognized for mineral potential, such as the Tintina Gold Belt and the Ambler Schist Belt. The region is crossed by roads and navigable rivers, providing excellent access to much of the region. For over 40 years, Doyon has encouraged exploration of its lands, generating numerous gold and base metal prospects. Doyon maintains an extensive data base of prospects generated through its own efforts and years of exploration ventures with qualified parties. Doyon encourages development to promote the economic and social well-being of our shareholders and future shareholders. Contact Doyon Lands and Natural Resources: 907-459-2000 Doyon, Limited • 1 Doyon Place, Suite 300, Fairbanks, AK 99701 www.doyon.com
Profiles in Mining: Danielle Snodgrass g g
SPECIAL TO THE ALASKA MINER What do you do in your job? I am an administrative assistant, supporting the Health and Safety and Environmental departments at Kinross Fort Knox. My primary duties are entering in timecards, run- ning weekly, monthly and quarterly reports, document management, and assisting in event coordinating. Did you grow up in Alaska? Where did you go to school? I grew up in Kodiak, from the age of 5, but moved to Idaho for high school, where I graduated from Meridian 3TRS>NSZZWTY Do others in your family work in mining? I married a miner. My husband is a third-generation gold miner. My mother-in-law and her family have run a QLXTWd[WLNP]XTYPQZ]_SP[L^_ dPL]^8dQL_SP]TYWLb did placer mining for some years and later had the oppor- tunity to join Kinross. You could say our family are miners through and through. Mining is a QLXTWdLʬLT]
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14
The Alaska Miner
July 2020
In this and future issues of The Alaska Miner, we will introduce you to some of the younger members of our industry, who are the future of mining in Alaska. Here we interview Danielle Snodgrass of Kinross Fort Knox.
hiking, berry picking, and exploring new territories with my husband and two German Shepherd dogs. Anything else you want to share? Since joining the mining communi- _dTY 4SLaP]PLWWdL[[]PNTL_PO_SP knowledge and insight gained in such a vital and huge industry. Mining is an important and crucial industry that anyone can be part of.
cost of mining in extreme weather con- ditions, high cost of living, and the time and cost to transport goods to the mine. With that, there are some great opportu- nities that come with these challenges. One being the opportunity to work with _PNSYZWZRTP^ _SL_ L^^T^_ TY PʯNTPY_Wd and safely operating in the Arctic.
What brought you to work in mining and what has most surprised you? Shortly after I married my husband, bP XZaPO _Z 0WVZ 9PaLOL bSP]P Xd husband started his mining engineer career. About six months after he start- PO 4 ]PNPTaPO L [Z^T_TZY L^ LY 3= L^ - sistant with the same mine. Something that continues to surprise me with mining is just how complex it is. Ev- ery department plays a vital role in the entire process. The more insight I gain, the more I realize how crucial the roles are that each department plays. Who was your mentor in this industry and what did they teach you that remains true today? My mother-in-law, Darlene, has been a great supporter and inspiration for me working in mining. The big- gest lesson I have learned from her is hard work through adversity. In min- ing, change can happen rapidly in any given day, from weather conditions, to equipment maintenance, or the gold market. Conditions can change \`TNVWdLYOPʬPN_[]ZO`N_TZY What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? Safety. If there is anything I have learned, you never compromise your safety for the sake of production. The gold will always be there, but you will YZ_9PaP]NZX[]ZXT^PZ]_LVP^SZ]_ cuts to get to the gold faster. Safety is vital in this industry. What is an experience you won’t forget? Operating an electric shovel was one of the most memorable experiences I have in mining. I had the opportunity to do a ride along while at the Kinross Bald Mountain site. With the guidance of the operator and trainer, he safely instructed me on how to operate the shovel. The feeling of scooping up one bucket load, knowing it is the size of my truck, was quite exhilarating. What do you love most about mining? I love being a part of an industry that is directly boosting our economy and providing a good that is used in so many manufactured goods. What do you see as our biggest chal- lenges? And opportunities? Some of the biggest challenges with being a mine in, Alaska would be the
What do you do for fun? I really enjoy time outdoors, going
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Usibelli Coal Mine produces more than one million tons of coal every year, helping energize Interior Alaska. Yet our most precious resource isn’t coal—it’s the people who mine it. We’ve worked hard to keep our employees safe, and the results are gratifying.
Employees surpassed their all- time safety record in April 2019 and by the end of the year, worked more than 1,000 days without a lost time accident. Our employees are committed to excellence in mining, and in practicing everyday safety—at work, at home and at play.
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15
July 2020
The Alaska Miner
FĹ å±ÏĘ ĜŸŸƚå ŅüĘåeĬ±Ÿĩ± aĜĹåųØƵå ŞųŅĀĬå ±Ĺeae ĵåĵÆåųƵĘŅűŸĵ±ĩĜĹč±ŸĜčĹĜĀϱĹƋÏŅĹƋųĜÆƚƋĜŅĹƋŅƋĘå industry, our state and our association. In this issue, we are talking with Curt Freeman, who has spent decades in the mining industry in Alaska. ÏĘ ĜŸŸƚå Ņü Ęå eĬ±Ÿĩ± aĜĹåų Ƶå ŞųŅĀĬå ±Ĺ eae K +EGIWSJ2MRMRK
Curt Freeman Avalon Development Corporation
Who was your mentor in this industry and what did they teach you that remains true today? For as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to be a ge- ZWZRT^_4_]LOPORWLNTLWMZ`WOP]^bT_SXdʭ]^_R]LOP_PLNSP] for rocks and minerals she picked up on her travels in the western U.S. So, long before high school or college, I knew bSL_4bLY_PO_ZMPM`_T_bL^YZ_`Y_TW4_ZZVXdʭ]^_NZWWPRP RPZWZRd NWL^^ ;Sd^TNLW 2PZWZRd _SL_ 4 XP_ Xd XPY_Z] Frederick W. Cropp, a Geology Dept. professor at the College of Wooster, Ohio. On day one of that class, I was sure I knew all there was to know about rocks and minerals, after all, I had over a decade of rock collecting under my belt by then, what XZ]PbL^_SP]P_ZWPL]Y* ,YO4]PNLWWLNPTYR_SPʭ]^_]ZNVLYO XTYP]LW\`TeZYWd]PTYQZ]NTYRXdNZYʭOPYNP_SL_4VYPbLWW there was to know friedns about geology! Then came the second quiz and I got a C, which shocked me. To add insult to injury, next to the grade Dr. Cropp wrote LYZ_PZY_SP[L[P]LYZ_P_SL_bL^_ZMPNZXPXdWTQPWP^^ZY% “You can do better than this.” That was embarrassing for a cocksure guy like me and unfortunately, it was true. But Dr. Cropp was not through with me yet. He also required that we keep a geology observations journal where we made notes on geological processes and events on our daily sojourns across NLX[`^ 4 ʮL_ ^`NVPO L_ _ST^ YPaP] b]T_TYR LYd_STYR OZbY until the night before the journals were to be turned in for grading and what I did write was functionally illiterate. 9Z_ ^`]P bSL_ SP ]PNZRYTePO TY XP M`_ /] .]Z[[ VP[_ pushing and I kept improving. He helped me learn how to speak in coherent sentences by enlisting the help of my very literate girlfriend who waggled her thumb when she heard me slaughtering the English language, which was early and often each day. She loved, I hated, every minute of that exercise, but T_SPW[PO0aPY_`LWWd/].]Z[[MPNLXP_SP`YZʯNTLWPOT_Z] ZQXd-LNSPWZ]ɪ^?SP^T^MWPPOTYRNZ[TZ`^LXZ`Y_^ZQ]POTYV all over what I thought was cogent, inciteful and brilliantly written text! He encouraged me to take a course on the origin of English Words to better understand how words were con- structed and pushed me into a public speaking course where I learned that I really enjoyed gassing on in front of a captive L`OTPYNP ,YOPaP]^TYNP_SL_ʭ]^_.4^LbLYO^_TWW^PP/] .]Z[[ɪ^^N]LbWɭDZ`NLYOZMP__P]_SLY_ST^ɮ What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? BSP]POZ4^_L]_ *7Z_^ZQWP^^ZY^SLaPSPW[POXPYLaTRL_P the ups and downs of my career, among them was the need to be persistent and not give up after failure. I recommend you keep things in perspective and understand that a fail- `]PZQdZ`]ʭ]^_O]TWW[]ZR]LXT^YZ__SPPYOZQdZ`]NL]PP]4 learned to maintain a sense of humor and would recommend TQdZ`OZYɪ_SLaPZYPN`W_TaL_PZYPL^L[ 4WPL]YPO_SL__SP most successful exploration geologists collected and observed data before they they tried to interpret it, not the other way around. But if there is one over-arching lesson that encom- [L^^P^LYOLʬPN_^LWWZQ_SPLMZaP4bZ`WO]PNZXXPYO_Z_SP next generation of exploration geologists the words shouted to me by an American missionary in southern China. Hav-
ing misssed my train bound for interior China, this man took pity on me and helped me get a seat on a croweded bus heading in the right direc- tion. As the bus pulled away in a swirl of dust, he shouted ɭ=PXPXMP]MPʮ`TOMPʮPc - ible!” That was great advice and the recent curve ball called .:A4/ $ _SL_ bP SLaP MPPY trying to hit is a perfect re-
XTYOP]ZQ_SPYPPO_ZɭMPʮ`TOMPʮPcTMWPɮ
BSL_bZ`WOdZ`OZOTʬP]PY_Wd* When I started my career after graduate school, I kept a diary of what was going on in my life. Sometimes I wrote a lot, sometimes a little, and I kept that up for several years until life became what I thought was too hectic and I stopped writing things down. I wrote about a lot of other things but YZ_LMZ`_SZb_SPTYO`^_]dbL^LʬPN_TYRXPXdQLXTWdXd friends, my employees, etc. I now rely on my memory for those undocumented events, both momentous and mundane. Unfortuately, memory is not always a reliable partner. I think of what Mark Twain said about memory and it rings true for XP% ɭBSPY 4 bL^ dZ`YRP] 4 `^P _Z ]PXPXMP] PaP]d_STYR bSP_SP]T_SL[[PYPOZ]YZ_ɮ>ZZYP_STYR4bZ`WOOZOTʬP] - ently would be keep that diary! How much easier it would be to do these days, with voice recognition software and on-de- mand video capabilities! What a blog I could have constructed! What was one experience you will never forget? 4 ^[PY_ _SP ^`XXP] ZQ $# ZY _SP PYO ZQ _SP ,WL^VL Peninsula at a project known as Canoe Bay. I represented _SPTY_P]P^_^ZQ=P^Z`]NP,^^ZNTL_P^ZQ,WL^VLLbPWWVYZbY 1LT]MLYV^ML^PO RPZWZRTNLW NZY^`W_TYR ʭ]X _SL_ bL^ _SP non-operating partner in a joint venture with Freeport Ex- [WZ]L_TZYZY,WP`_YL_TaPWLYO^9PL]_SPPYOZQ_SL_^`XXP] season, the Project Manager, Ted Wilton, asked the assembled geologists whether or not we thought the gold tarrget they SLOMPPYbZ]VTYRZYbL^O]TWWbZ]_Sd>LdTYRɭ9ZɮXPLY_ dZ`bP]PZ`_ZQLUZM>LdTYRɭDP^ɪɮZYWdMPNL`^PZQbSL_^Ld - ing “no” implied, meant you were a mendacious scum bag. ,YOQZ]XP^LdTYRɭ9ZɮLW^ZXPLY_XdPX[WZdP]bL^YZ_ likely to be very happy with me, since the JV would likely dis- ^ZWaPLYObT_ST__SPQPP^=,,bL^]PNPTaTYRL^[L]_ZQ_SP5A LR]PPXPY_?SPRPZ^TYNW`OTYRLdZ`YRR`dYLXPO=TNVALY 9TP`bPYS`d^PLVLALY,W[SLMP__Z_SZ^PZY_SP.LYZP-Ld project, who became a life-long friend after this season, had discussed this option at length but until that fateful meeting, 4bL^`Y^`]PbSL_4bZ`WO^Ld4^LTOɭ9Z_ST^[]ZUPN_T^YZ_ drill worthy,” a response I can say with conviction was both honest and geologically correct. And yes, the JV dissolved. And dP^=,,bL^XZ^_OT^[WPL^PObT_SXPQZ]YZ_NSLX[TZYTYR the project and saving the JV.
16
The Alaska Miner
July 2020
Photos Courtesy Curt Freeman &'4:* (YVX+VIIQERWXERHWSRXLI)IGOIV&Y&KTVSWTIGXMRXLI[IWXIVR'SRRMǻIPHHMWXVMGXMRJEPP '*14; +VIIQER ERHLMWUYEVXIVLSVWI>EGOEXE+EMVFEROWLSVWIWLS[
?Z^SZb_SPT]OT^[WPL^`]P=,,^PY_PYNPOXPQZ]_SP]P^_ of the year to the Candelaria silver mine south of scenic Haw- _SZ]YP9PaLOL@Y^[ZVPYM`_NWPL]WdNZXX`YTNL_POXdUZM was to do the honorable thing and quit, having learned my WP^^ZY ZY NZ][Z]L_P []TZ]T_TP^ 4 OTOYɪ_ \`T_ ,YO MPQZ]P _SL_ assignment was over, I was part of a team of geos that helped OPʭYP _SP 9Z]_SP]Y -PWWP OP[Z^T_ bSTNS TQ XPXZ]d ^P]aP^ ^PPLMZaPNLaPL_ RPYP]L_PO^ZXP#XTWWTZYZ`YNP^ZQ^TWaP] for the mine operations. I remain proud to have beeen in- volved in both projects and to have learned that speaking your mind is always the best policy and that turning a sentence into a success is supremely statisfying! What do you love most about this business? One of the highest highs in this business is discover- ing something new, something nobody else has seen before, something that introduces new wealth to the world. And if you can make a new mineral discovery you can be sure you will have met a boatload of brilliant, dynamic, fascinating, quirky and sometimes downright crazy people in the process. I have been extraordinarily lucky in both respects and when ]PNLWWTYR_SZ^PXPXZ]TP^T_ɪ^_SPLXLeTYR^[PN_]`XZQ[P] - sonalities that contibute to a mineral discovery that remain an indelible and vivid componenent of the discovery process.
CONTINUED on PAGE 18
17
July 2020
The Alaska Miner
K Ʋ+EGIWSJ2MRMRK
OLYRP]Z`^ [L]_ LMZ`_ L ʭP]d ]PPY_]d with a space ship composed largely of LRTLY__LYVZQʮLXXLMWPWT\`TO?SZ^P L]POP_LTW^LYO_SL_ɪ^bSL_PYRTYPP]^L]P QZ] _LVTYR L RPZWZRT^_ɪ^ M]TWWTLY_ TOPL^ and making them work. But that seem- ingly crazy thought is not so far-fetched _ZOLdYZ]bTWWT_MPTY dPL]^
U`^_TʭPOTQT_[]PaPY_^Z]N`]_LTW^XTYTYR Eliminating this form of brain washing has been and will continue to be a huge challenge but the rewards of meeting _SL_NSLWWPYRPL]PbZ]_S_SPPʬZ]_ What does AMA mean to you? 4Y PL]Wd $#$ ,WL^VL LYO ,XP]TNLY Mining Hall of Famer Dr. Earl Beist- line gave me a copy of the minutes of _SPʭ]^_,8,-ZL]OZQ/T]PN_Z]^XPP_ - TYRSPWOTY $ $>LOWd4YZWZYRP]SLaP that document but I read part of those XTY`_P^ _Z _SP $#$ ,8, NZYaPY_TZY in Anchorage. What I read was a short WT^_ZQ_SPT^^`P^QLNTYR_SP $ $,WL^VL Mining industry. Change the date, and a few names and that list of issues is virtually the same today. Access, infra- structure, water use, Federal overreach, State regulations, staking laws, etc. I am not saying the AMA has done nothing in the last 75 years, quite the opposite. I see AMA as the voice of an organiza- tion that is stronger than the sum or its [L]_^4_ɪ^]ZWPL^LYLOaZNL_PQZ]_SPTY - dustry, as an educational forum for the jobs and products we create, is critical to a resource-rich state like Alaska.
FREEMAN, CONTINUED from PAGE 17
Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? Despite the fact that every new tech- nology we have seen progress in the last dPL]^ SL^ ]P\`T]PO XZ]P LYO XZ]P mined products, mining has become XZ]P`Y[Z[`WL]ZaP]_TXP4Y dPL]^ we will still need mined products, per- haps using them at an even more vo- racious rate than we do today. So I see us mining extra-terrestrial sources, the planets and asteroids in our solar sytem. ,W_SZ`RS ɭ0L]_S 1T]^_ BPɪWW 8TYP _SP :_SP] ;WLYP_^ 7L_P]ɮ bL^ XPLY_ L^ L political lampoon on the Earth First movement, that statement has recently taken on a new and much more serious tone. When I was in grade school, I had _Zb]T_PL^NTPYNPʭN_TZY_SPXPO[L[P] as a homework assignment. I conjured up a giant space ship that regularly went to Saturn or Jupiter and scooped up huge volumes of liquid methane that was then ʮZbY MLNV _Z PL]_S LYO `^PO _Z [Zb - er the world. I skippped over the whole PL]_Sɪ^ R]LaT_d _STYR LYO _SP ^WTRS_Wd
What do you see as our biggest challenges? And opportunities?
The biggest challenge we face as an industry is also the single biggest op- portunity available to the mining indus- _]d% PO`NL_TYR _SP LaP]LRP NT_TePY _SL_ XTYTYR T^ YPNP^^L]d LYO XTYTYR can be done responsibly, both from an environmental and a social standpoint. That education process would be sim- ple if we were dealing with a populace that simply knew nothing about min- TYR 4YQZ]XTYR [PZ[WP ZQ _SP MPYPʭ_^ and impacts of mining can be done, L^ Z]RLYTeL_TZY^ ^`NS L^ Z`] ZbY ,=0 have shown. Unfortunately, our primary and secondary educations systems are teaching students that mining is evil, that we no longer need mining to thrive as a society, and the use of any means is
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PRUDHOE BAY 907.659.9600 WASILLA 907.352.3400
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The Alaska Miner
July 2020
+VIIQERERH 1YOI7E]QSRH PSSOMRKEXGSVI SRXLI5IEO TVSNIGXMR Photo Courtesy Curt Freeman
You mentioned you were retiring ... what have you planned for your next adventure? What else do you do for fun? While I have retired from running a mineral exploration consulting business, I have been busy during the COVID pandemic providing whatever advice I can to business entities working all over the world. My long experience allows me to draw conclusions about new mining opportunities that can help these entities better formulate future acquisition plans, work programs and as- set sales. During the COVID pandemic, this work has resulted in long hours on video conferences and virtual project tours but as the virus relaxes its grip, I expect to see more rocks again! As for my bucket list, it is extremely long but much of it involves travel that is tem- porarily on hold. I have two daughters pur- suing their dreams in Maryland and Florida LYO4SZ[P_ZTYʮTN_Xd^PWQZY_SPXTY_SP near future. I also have a few hobbies, the most challenging of which is riding Zack, Xd dPL]ZWO ,[[PYOTc \`L]_P] SZ]^P :`] dPL] LYO NZ`Y_TYR L^^ZNTL_TZY SL^ led me to believe that I am in charge when XZ`Y_POM`_SP^PP^_STYR^\`T_POTʬP]PY_ - Wd 4^`^[PN_LYOSZ[P_SL_OTʬP]PYNPZQ opinion will not be settled any time soon. Anything else you want to share? 4VYZbT_T^TY^`ʯNTPY_TY_SPPc_]PXP but I want to say thank you to my family and friends, employees, clients, contractors and the Alaska mining industry in gener- al for making it possible for me to live my dream of becoming a geologist in one of the most amazing places on earth. I wish them all the best of good fortune down the trail!
19
July 2020
The Alaska Miner
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