EXCLUSIVE: Q&A With The Governor
Dunleavy: Mining vital to the success of Alaska
‘Incredible resources’ need to be put to work, he says BY LEE LESCHPER I n early January, Gov. Mike Dunleavy took time to talk with us about Alaska mining and his plans for the state as Alaska’s governor. Dunleavy took office in December. Q: Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with Alaska’s Miners. You’ve been vocal about your sup- porting for mining—why? Dunleavy: I’m a big supporter. I grew up in Scran - ton, Pa., home of the largest anthracite coal mine in the world. Everybody worked in the mines. Today all three of my daughters work at Red Dog, the two younger during the summers. And the oldest full- time as a buyer. You realize that there is very little in our civili - zation as we know it that happens without mining. The more we can do in Alaska, with our strict environmental regulations, the more we can protect the environment. Our environmental regulations are so much more than places like China (where a lot of mining is happening now). It’s just a win-win-win-win for Alaska. We can protect Alaska better. We can create jobs. We can create jobs in the poorest parts of Alaska, where they need jobs. And we can create spinoff benefits to other in - dustries. Q: Where does mining fit in your list of priorities for the state? Dunleavy: It’s near the top. By creating more jobs, we create more opportu - nity and less dependence on government. And for
“We can protect Alaska
better. We can create jobs. We can create jobs in the poorest parts of Alaska, where they need jobs. And we can create spinoff benefits to other industries.”
some individuals that also means they’re less apt to be involved in issues like substance abuse. I’m trying to grow the economy with all its spinoff ben - efits. I would love to see 40 or 60 more Red Dogs in this state. Q: What direction have you given your new DNR commissioner regarding Alaska mining? Dunleavy: I’ve said to all of our commissioners, that we are going to grow this economy and take advantage of every opportunity. Alaska is a tre- mendous place for the mining of minerals and rare earths. This is going to be an administration that is not going to tell people what they can’t do.
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January 2019
The Alaska Miner
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