internship at Tyler Rental while I was still in school. That combination of hands-on experience and supported education was invaluable. What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's a completely different world down there and seeing it for the first time can feel overwhelming. But in my experi- ence, everyone genuinely wants you to succeed. No one expects you to know everything on day one, they just want to see that you're engaged and willing to learn. What was one experience you will never forget? My first trip underground was when I was about 11. It was a tour of the historic AJ Mine in Juneau, which operated from 1917-44. A lot of original machinery is still on site, and some- thing about being around it just hooked me. At that age, it was mind-blowing the things that went into pulling gold out of the ground. While the methods have changed to make modern mining significantly safer and more techno- logically advanced, many of the core principles remain the same. What would you tell people outside the industry about the importance of mining? There's an old saying, “if it can't be farmed, it has to be mined.” As a lifelong Alaskan, I take our environ- ment seriously. This land means every- thing to us. But the reality is that the resources under our feet are essential, especially with how fast technology is advancing. What I can say from my experience is that the level of care I've seen in this industry, from under- ground operations to the North Slope, is second to none when it comes to being low impact and responsible. That matters, and I don't think people outside the industry always know that.
MINING ALASKA'S FUTURE: KRISTOFER ELY
Briefly describe the work you do? I'm an underground truck driver. I operate 30- and 45-ton trucks, switching between back hauling and long-haul trips running loads from the bottom of the mine out to the surface. Every shift is a little different depending on what is needed for the day. What brought you or attracted you to work in the mining industry? Growing up in Juneau, a town with a deep mining history, had a lot to do with it. My first trip under- ground was when I was about 11 years old and I was hooked. As I got older, a lot of my friends' dads worked at the local mines, and I started hearing more about the different career paths available. It felt like a natural direction. What has surprised you most about your job and what do you enjoy most? The family-like culture at camp. I’m only 22 and I
am made to feel a part of the team. When you're away from your family, that kind of environment goes a long way. As for what I enjoy most, it's the learning. Being as young as I am, I have so many opportunities to build my skill set. I try to learn as much as I can. What helped you prepare to pursue this career? It was the opportunity Coeur Alaska gave me. I was taking diesel technology classes at the University of Southeast Alaska during my senior year of high school when my professor, Tom Dolan, encour- aged me to look into mining. Coeur Alaska’s Mobile Mechanic Trainee Program was just the right fit. They covered my tuition and set me up with an Kristofer Ely is an underground miner at the Coeur Alaska Kensington Mine. We asked him to tell us more about how the young miner got his start in the Alaska mining industry.
RESPONSIBLE. SUSTAINABLE. INNOVATIVE. SAFEGUARDING AN AMERICAN TREASURE
Operating in a national monument requires us to meet rigorous environmental standards in the smallest footprint possible. We take pride in using technology
and innovation to minimize our impact. Small and smart – that’s the Hecla way
hecla.com/operations/greens-creek-alaska
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THE ALASKA MINER - THE MAGAZINE OF THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
SUMMER 2026 | ALASKAMINERS.ORG
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