THE ALASKA MINER JOURNAL: The publication is member-only news mailed to AMA members, eight times a year, in months when the Magazine is not published. The Alaska Miner Journal is dedicated to those who work in and support the mining industry in Alaska, its commitment to the people, and the resources of our state. Our goal is to disseminate information on responsible mineral development, educating the public about the value of mining, providing information for our membership and the general public, providing policymakers the information they need to understand the mining industry and monitor political and regulatory processes affecting mining in Alaska.
REDPATH USA CORPORATION Mining Contractors and Engineers redpathmining.com
December 2020 Volume 48, Number 12
Journal of the Alaska Miners Association
n Kinross True North Honored, Page 14
n AMA Convention a Virtual Success, Page 8 n Pebble Responds to New Challenge, Page 6
Making History Despite the Challenges
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www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Members, We did it!
You have heard us use the expression “Alaska Miner Strong” often this year and it is not just a slogan — it is our way of life. We are also looking forward to 2021 with a combination of hope and trepidation. Hope, that science, nature, and time will carry us past this dreadful pandemic that has touched and harmed so many families in and beyond Alaska. We have been blessed that ours is an essential industry able to continue work as others are shut down, in part because safety is our core value and we were among the first industries in the state to establish and implement the rules that have allowed us to continue working safely.
Despite the challenges, the unknowns, and the limitations, we held a measurably successful 2020 AMA annual convention. Elsewhere in this Journal you will see details and scenes from that convention, but the good news is hundreds of our members and member companies met, albeit it virtually, continuing one of the oldest traditions in Alaska mining.
While we did not meet face-to-face, sharing a handshake, a joke, and a warm hug, we still did what we do best. We learned, shared, and taught. And continued our commitment to provide the absolute best annual meeting possible for you, our members. I hope you were able to join us throughout the week. Many of the presentations are online at our AlaskaMiners.org website in case you missed any (and we all do). Please take a moment, not only to read them, but to join us in thanking the presenters. Thanks to our hardworking convention committee, that proved once again that the greatest skill for any miner is resourceful, creative problem solving! Thanks for your time, your enthusiasm and your inspiring good humor through this whole process and trying year. And especially thank you to the hundreds of companies and individuals who contributed as AMA Sustaining Sponsors to help make the virtual convention possible. The convention is traditionally our biggest financial endeavor each year, and without your support, the convention would not have been possible and the harm to our bottom line would have been terrific. It reinforces once again that, more than the vast riches under our Alaska soil, the most valuable resource we have is you, the members of our industry and our association. And together we are a force to be reckoned with, whether it is facing the cruelties of a deadly virus or the vagaries of opponents who hate our industry without even understanding who we are or what we do.
Trepidation because November’s general election has and will shake up our government from the top down. The last four years have been good for Alaska miners and resource development in general as we have been able to remove barriers that have long kept us locked out and locked down. It has been a welcome new normal, to focus on mining instead of legislation and lawsuits. We do not know that the new direction will be vastly different or negative. But we can expect that it will quite different. As usual, the only constant is change! Regardless of where the winds shift, you can count on one thing — your association. Regardless of the challenges, the faces or the policies, we remain relentless in first learning and sharing what’s really going on that may affect our industry, and then advocating firmly to ensure that your voice is heard. Referring to our earlier comment about Alaska Miner Strong, more than ever we will need and call on your support when we need it. Thanks for always being there! Be well,
Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director
Executive Board Bill Jeffress, President SRK Consulting, Anchorage Bartly Kleven, First Vice President Kinross-Fort Knox, Fairbanks Lorali Simon, Second Vice President Kim Aasand, Treasurer Aasand & Glore LLC, Anchorage
Branch Chairmen Ted Hawley, Anchorage Lorali Simon, Denali Mark Huffington, Fairbanks
The Alaska Miner is the official journal of the Alaska Miners Association, published eight times a year exclusively to our members.
It is published in partnership with the Alaska Miners Association by Fireweed Strategies LLC, 4849 Potter Crest Circle, Anchorage, AK 99516.
Liz Cornejo, Haines Jim Clark, Juneau
We actively seek contributions from our members and the mining industry. Please email story ideas and photos to Lee Leschper. Advertising Rates and New Tips For advertising information, or to submit news, story ideas and photos, call or email Lee Leschper at 907-957-6025 or Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com Alaska Miners Association Staff Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director Darlene Strickland, Bookkeeper/Membership
Houston Morris, Kenai Blake Bogart, Nome Andrew Spokely, Ketchikan/Prince of Wales
Committee Chairmen Kevin Adler, Convention Howard Grey and JP Tangen, Federal Oversight Paul Glavinovich, State Oversight
Follow us anytime: Online at AlaskaMiners.org Like us on Facebook at Alaska Miners Association Follow us on Twitter @alaskaminers
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December 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Convention 2020: We Did It Virtually!
While all AMA convention events were online only, the AMA staff — Executive director Deantha Skibinski, Membership Director Jennifer Luiten and Bookkeeper Darlene Strickland — were running the show back in the AMA offices after a long pandemic shutdown.
“The work your team did was great making an effective platform.” “JOB WELL DONE!” “Kudos for a tremendously successful convention. Really a great show and super organized and executed.” “Again, thank you for your time, ideas, efforts and flexibility in hosting our Annual Convention.” We continue to learn and adapt new ways of connecting with you and sharing the information you need. For now, our weekly meetings are continuing online, and we hope to see you there often on zoom. Please share ideas you see elsewhere we can adopt and more than ever remember we want and need your feedback and suggestions and support. Thank you again for all you do to support AMA and Alaska’s miners! — Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director, Alaska Miners Association
We did it! Our first virtual convention was a huge success – thanks to you. Throughout this challenging year we have tried to provide our AMA members the benefits and services you deserve. And the choice to take our annual convention online was a leap of faith, with our hope combined with our fierce determination to do what is right for you. We all have missed the reunion of our Alaska miner family this year, which for many of you is the most appreciated week of the year. But we found a lot to like about the virtual convention Among the highlights, more than 500 people enjoyed technical sessions, prospectors tent, poster session and core shack. More gratifying than those impressive numbers are the many many positive comments and letters of encouragement we have received, that include the following: “The convention was awesome. Such a successful event really boosted the AMA’s reputation. “
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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Pebble Statement Regarding Negative Permit Action
Pebble Partnership CEO John Shively has issued the following statement regarding the decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to deny a permit for the Pebble Project: “We are obviously dismayed by the news given that the USACE had published an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in July that clearly stated the project could successfully co-exist with the fishery and would have provided substantial economic benefit to the communities closest to the deposit. “One of the real tragedies of this decision is the loss of economic opportunities for people living in the area. The EIS clearly describes those benefits, and now a politically driven decision has taken away the hope that many had for a better life. This is also a lost opportunity for the state’s future economy — especially at a time when Alaska is seeing record job losses from the impacts associated with Covid. “The Pebble Deposit contains minerals such as copper that are in the national interest as they will be necessary to support the nation’s transition to more renewable sources of energy and a lower carbon future. President- Elect Biden has stated that increasing domestic copper
production will be an important step in meeting these goals. “Since the beginning of the federal review, our team has worked closely with the USACE
staff to understand their requirements for responsibly
developing the project including changing the transportation corridor and re-vamping the
Shively
approach to wetlands mitigation. All of these efforts led to a comprehensive, positive EIS for the project that clearly stated it could be developed responsibly. It is very disconcerting to see political influence in this process at the eleventh hour. “For now, we will focus on sorting out next steps for the project including an appeal of the decision by the USACE.”
“We protect the environment because this is the land where we grew up.” – Evan Polty Jr. Lead Mechanic, Donlin Gold Born in Pilot Station and Resident of Russian Mission
To learn more, visit us at donlingold.com
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December 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
David S. Manzer, Landman dmanzer@aklandstatus.com Tel: (907) 563-8882 5381 Tudortop Circle Anchorage, AK 99507-1631 Alaska Land Status, Inc. • Due Diligence Mineral Title Examination • Land Status Research • Land and Claim Management Expertise
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• Mine Design, Planning and Scheduling Services (Vulcan 3-D, & Deswik Design Software) • Ore Resource Modeling • 43-101 Feasibility Studies and QP Reporting • Mine Management Services for Existing and New Mines • Long Hole Mining Design and Management and Audit Services • Underground Ventilation Design and Modeling (VentSim Software) • Mine Infrastructure Design and Implementation • Mine Startup Assistance with Geologic, Underground Survey, and Engineering Services • Mine Design, Planning and Scheduling Services (Vulcan 3-D, & Deswik Design Software) • Ore Resource Modeling • 43-101 Feasibility Studies and QP Reporting • Mine Management Services for Existing and New Mines • Long Hole Mining Design and Management and Audit Services • Underground Ventilation Design and Modeling (VentSim Software) • Mine Infrastructure Design and Implementation • Mine Startup Assistance with Geologic, Underground Survey, and Engineering Services Roughstock Mining Services Steve Cutler-General Manager 250 Blue Sky Trail, Bozeman, Montana 59718 406-580-7016 Roughstock Mining Services Steve Cutler-General Manager 250 Blue Sky Trail, Bozeman, Montana 59718 406-580-7016 Roughstock Mining Services Steve Cutler-General Manager 4671 Shandalyn Lane Bozeman, Montana 59718 406-580-7016 www.roughstockmining.com Roughstock Mining Services Steve Cutler-General Manager Roughstock Mining Services MINE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT MINE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT • Mine Design, Planning and Scheduling Services (Vulcan 3-D, & Deswik Design Software) • Ore Resource Modeling • 43-101 Feasibility Studies and QP Reporting • Mine Management Services for Existing and New Mines • Long Hole Mining Design and Management and Audit Services • Underground Ventilation Design and Modeling (VentSim Software) • Mine Infrastructure Design and Implementation • Mine Startup Assistance with Geologic, Underground Survey, and Engineering Services • Mine Design, Planning and Scheduling Services (Vulcan 3-D, & Deswik Design Software) • Ore Resource Modeling • 43-101 Feasibility Studies and QP Reporting • Mine Management Services for Existing and New Mines • Long Hole Mining Design and Management and Audit Services • Underground Ventilation Design and Modeling (VentSim Software) • Mine Infrastructure Design and Implementation • Mine Startup Assistance with Geologic, Underground Survey, and Engineering Services • Mine Design, Planning and Scheduling Services (Vulcan 3-D, & Deswik Design Software) • Ore Resource Modeling • 43-101 Feasibility Studies and QP Reporting • Mine Management Services for Existing and New Mines • Long Hole Mining Design and Management and Audit Services • Underground Ventilation Design and Modeling (VentSim Software) • Mine Infrastructure Design and Implementation • Mine Startup Assistance with Geologic, Underground Survey, and Engineering Services MINE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT MINE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT • Mine Design, Planning and Scheduling Services (Vulcan 3-D, & Deswik Design Software) • Ore Resource Modeling • 43-101 Feasibility Studies and QP Reporting • Mine Management Services for Existing and New Mines • Long Hole Mining Design and Management and Audit Services • Underground Ventilation Design and Modeling (VentSim Software) • Mine Infrastructure Design and Implementation • Mine Startup Assistance with Geologic, Underground Survey, and Engineering Services MINE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT MINE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
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www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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2020 AMA Convention: A Virtual Success Here are just some of the scenes and screens from AMA’s Virtual Annual Convention in November. Despite the distance, the challenges and the pandemic, our members and industry again proved we are Alaska Miner Strong. More than 500 people attended virtual sessions, learning about positive and essential work we continue in Alaska.
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December 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
AMA Convention 2020
2020 AMA Convention: Technical Speakers Harness Power of Zoom
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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Donlin Gold Completes Drilling Program
Donlin Gold LLC has announced the successful completion of its 2020 85-hole drilling program totaling approximately 23,400 meters. The holes were drilled in both the ACMA and Lewis deposit areas of the Donlin Gold project. Assay results for the first 25 holes (representing 30% of the length drilled) have been received to date, of which nine were previously released to the market on August 6. Results show higher grades over thinner intervals compared to those predicted by previous modelling, particularly in sedimentary rocks. Results to date continue to exceed modeled grade- thickness, with higher grades observed over narrower intervals, particularly in sedimentary rocks. Additional assay results will be reported as they become available. The 2020 drill program is the largest at the Donlin Gold project in 12 years. The Donlin Gold team is wrapping-up site activities with the drill core being logged, cut, sampled, and shipped to assay laboratories. Site activities are now completed.
The primary objective of the 2020 drill program, the largest such campaign at Donlin Gold since 2008, has been to validate and increase the confidence in recent geologic modeling concepts. Once complete, it is expected to drive an update of mining schedules and life of mine business plans. Results to date continue to exceed modeled grade-thickness, with higher grades observed over narrower intervals, particularly in sedimentary rocks. With the receipt of the latest drill results, the 2020 drill program continues to advance Donlin Gold up the value chain. “A comprehensive geological understanding of any orebody is a foundational step that few companies in the gold industry do well. With an orebody the size, scale, and quality of Donlin Gold it is of even greater importance in order for the project to successfully deliver maximum value for all our stakeholders,” said Mark Bristow, President and CEO of Barrick. “Building on the last two decades of exploration, the results continue to highlight Donlin’s world-class potential.”
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December 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Donlin Gold Completes Drilling Program
“I’d like to congratulate the Joint Venture team, as well as thank our Native Corporation partners, Calista Corporation (“Calista”) and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC), on successfully completing drilling despite the enormous challenges associated with operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Greg Lang, NOVAGOLD’s President and CEO, said, “With the latest set of assay results, we continue to encounter intersections of higher-grade mineralization than previously modeled. With the industry burning through reserves, and grades continuing to decline, great drill results with even higher than modeled grades are exciting for any mining company — and we believe that to be particularly true for Donlin Gold at this late stage of development. “The data from the 2020 drill program will be incorporated into an updated model, which could be further verified with additional drilling in 2021. Understanding the optimized geological model will form the basis for determining the best approach for the development of Donlin Gold. “We are proud to work in Alaska, a state where the rule of law is well established, and socially responsible and
environmentally sound mine development is welcomed. As we wrap-up activities at the site for the winter, I want to thank the Donlin Gold team, that, despite the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, actually completed the drilling earlier than forecast, thereby allowing us an opportunity to drill additional holes.” To date, no employees or contractors at the Donlin Gold site have tested positive for COVID-19. With dedicated community partners in Alaska and in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) region, who share the objective of protecting the health of Donlin Gold’s employees and contractors, a wide-ranging set of policies have been implemented at the Donlin Gold project site this year designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Donlin Gold continues to work with Calista, TKC and other key representatives in the region to respond to community needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this year’s challenges, Donlin Gold has maintained community engagement programs related to environmental management, safety, training, educational, health and cultural initiatives.
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www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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Thank You to our Sustaining Sponsors! AMA extends a huge thank you to all of our Sustaining Sponsors. As AMA was forced to cancel its fundraising events this year, the organization has suffered a substantial loss of the revenue that funds its year-round mission of promoting mineral development in Alaska. With an enormous amount of support from our 2020 Sustaining Sponsors we end the year in a stable financial situation and are very grateful for the incredibly generous support of our members. Thank you!
n Alaska Basic Industries n Alaska Earth Sciences n Alaska Land Status, Inc. n Alaska on the Map by JT n Alaska Resource Education n Alaska Russia Investment Company n Ambler Metals LLC n Attorney at Law (P.C.) JP Tangen n Aurora Geosciences (Alaska) n Aurora Resource Exploration LLC n Avalon Development Corp n Avidian Gold Corp n Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. n BGC Engineering n Bjorkman Prospecting n Borell Consulting Services LLC n Brooks & Nelson n Calista Corporation
n Chatanika Gold Dredge Company n Coastal Helicopters, Inc. n Coeur Mining, Inc. n ConocoPhillips Alaska n Constantine Mining LLC n Core Geoscience n Council of Alaska Producers n D.A. Hedderly-Smith & Assoc. n David Parish & Associates, LLC n Denali Industrial Supply Inc n DOWL n Doyon, Limited n Energy Laboratories Inc. n Flowline Alaska, Inc. n Freegold Ventures Limited n FSWCD n GAME, Inc. n GCI Communication Corp. n GeoMetallica
TOP CONTRIBUTORS
n Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine n Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC n Contango Ore Inc. n Donlin Gold LLC n Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company n Northern Star Resources n OXFORD ASSAYING & REFINING CORP n Soloy Helicopters LLC n Taiga Mining Company n Usibelli Coal Mine Inc.
AMA CONTRIBUTORS
n ACZ Laboratories n Advanced Supply Chain International, LLC n AECOM n AIDEA n Airgas, an Air Liquide Co. n AK Forest Assoc
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December 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Sustaining Sponsors
n NC Machinery Company n Northern Associates, Inc. n On-Line Exploration Services, Inc n Orica USA n Pacific Rim Geological Consulting n Paul & Company n PDC Engineers / RESPEC n Peak Gold LLC n Pebble Partnership n Perkins Coie LLP n RECON LLC n REDPATH USA CORP n Ridgerunner Exploration n Ruby Gulch Associates n Ruen Drilling Inc n SeaTac Marine Services n Shield Resources Corp. n SOA/DNR/DMLW n SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. n Stantec n Stevens Exploration Management Corp. n Stoel Rives LLP n Surveyors Exchange Co. n SVL Analytical Inc. n Teck American Incorporated n TOTE Maritime Alaska n Tower Hill Mines - Livengood Project
n Travis/Peterson Environmental Consulting, Inc. n Trilogy Metals US n Tyler Rental n Uqaqti Consulting, LLC n USGS n Victaulic n Western Alaska Copper & Gold n White Rock Minerals n Wood & Wood Technical n Woodbury Financial
n Geotemps, Inc. n GIS Associates
n Gold Mining Ecuador n Golder Associates Inc n Good Faith Consulting n Graphite One (Alaska) Inc. n GroundTruth Americas n H2T Mine Engineering Services, LLP n Hawley Resource Group/Mines Trust Co. n HDR n Heatherdale Resources LTD n HighGold Mining Inc. n Horst Expediting & Remote Operations n Hyak Mining Company n Jade North, LLC n Just Refiners USA, Inc. n Lifewater Engineering Company n MACK COAL CONSTRUCTION n McDowell Group n Melchizedek n Metallogeny n Millrock Exploration Corp n Mining & Petroleum Training Services (MAPTS) n MSI Communications n NANA n NB Tweet & Sons
INDIVIDUALS n Paul Glavinovich n Lena Brommeland n Greg Durocher n Jeanine Schmidt n Scott Hartman n Travis Grier n Karen Clautice n Brian Hoefler n Barbara Tuckness n Rod Combellick n Keri Nutter n Luke Raymond n John Barry n Jeff Kase n Michael Caputo n Thomas Krolak n Jim Clark n Melanie Millhorn n Don Stevens
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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Thank You
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SUSTAINING SPONSORS
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There is a lot of great mining information available such as:
• ADVOCACY: The most recent mining issues at both state and federal levels • EVENTS: Check branch meeting schedules, look for convention updates, and more! • MEMBERSHIP: Download an application or find direct links to apply and/or renew online
• PUBLICATIONS: Digital of AMA’s most recent journals and magazines are available for you to read anytime or anywhere!
QUESTIONS? Contact laci@alaskaminers.org
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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UASE Center Offering Pathways to Mining Careers
“Upon graduation, high school seniors and those eligible are invited to apply for our second scholarship opportunity related to mining - further scholarships from Hecla Greens Creek as part of the “Pathway to Mining Careers” program. “As part of this program, students can earn a 2-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Mine Mechanics with support from Hecla Green Creeks. This degree provides a basic level of training in Mine and Diesel Mechanics to encourage the student to find gainful employment at Greens Creek or other mines in the state where the current average industry wage is $112,800. “Six students are selected each Fall to receive this scholarship support which provides for the cost of tuition towards a degree in Mine Mechanics.” Interested students can find the scholarship application online at www.uas.alaska.edu/career_ed/ mining/hecla-scholarship.html The Mining Center represents one of the state’s best industry-university partnerships to attract and prepare young Alaskans for a career in mining.
Whether you need geophysical, geological or exploration support services, our ideas, experience and northern expertise mean you’ll have the best thinking on your project. Go ahead – pick our brains. “Most students who register for this course also apply for a scholarship from Hecla Greens Creek which provides for the full cost of tuition and fees for this course.” Interested students can apply online at: www.uas.alaska.edu/career_ed/mining/imoo_ scholarship.html or contact Casey for more details at 907-796-6427. “We call that course “IMOO”, or Introduction to Mining Occupations and Operations. The course is 8-weeks long, 3-credits, and features frequent guest speakers from the industry. The course will be offered online statewide this year, extending our reach to communities that have not previously had this opportunity. The Center for Mine Training at the University of Alaska Southeast is offering two great opportunities for Alaska students this fall, with the potential to lead to a future high-paying career in mining. “The first is geared towards high school students interested in gaining a basic understanding of the industry here in Alaska,” Center coordinator Casey Bain said.
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December 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
UASE Center Offering Pathways to Mining Careers
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www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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DNR, DEC Applaud True North Gold Mine Reclamation Success
ALASKA MINERALS INC. 8121 SCHOON STREET ANCHORAGE, AK 99518 reclaimed and returned back to the state, a tribute to the dedication and planning of our reclamation team at Fort Knox. This represents the conclusion of a responsible mine life cycle, where the site’s resources were properly extracted, benefitting the state and its people through jobs and taxes, and will now continue to be utilized for the benefit of future generations through five miles of public trails. “The True North mine was permitted and put into production from 2001 to 2004. It produced 11.7 million tons of ore which was hauled nine miles to the Fort Knox mill. In 2010, 270 acres were fertilized, and seeded using fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, with major earthwork being completed in 2011. As of summer 2014, the site was fully revegetated and was monitored for several more years to assure long-term stability. In 2016, True North was selected to receive a reclamation award by the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC). The IMCC, which comprises 26 member states, is the only interstate body of its kind for mining in the USA. Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources recommended that Kinross Fort Knox apply for a reclamation award for its work at True North. “The final reclamation of the True North mine is a
we share mining news Fort Knox provided this additional information: “Fort Knox is pleased to announce that Oct.18 we officially returned the land associated with our True North mine back to the state of Alaska for future public use. Reclamation of the site began in 2009 and was completed in 2015. “True North is the first large metal mine in Alaska to be FAIRBANKS — Operators of the True North gold mine have completed reclamation and restoration of the 2,050-acre mineral development site and returned it to state control, demonstrating the effectiveness of Alaska’s mining and environmental systems, leaders of two state resource agencies have announced. Kinross Fort Knox, which also operates the larger Fort Knox gold mine, operated the True North mine from 2001 to 2004 under a lease on State of Alaska- and University of Alaska-owned land. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approved a process for site reclamation and post-closure monitoring when it permitted the mine. DNR and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provided required approvals and oversight over the years, and last week certified the reclamation as successfully completed.
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December 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
DNR, DEC Applaud True North Gold Mine Reclamation Success
because Alaska has some of highest environmental standards in the world,” Brune said. “The successful reclamation of this mining site is the perfect example of why it’s more environmentally conscientious for Alaskans to encourage mining here, rather than allow projects to go to parts of the world that don’t undertake the protective efforts that we do.” The remediating work included grading and recontouring 149 acres, seeding and fertilizing 270 acres, planting vegetation on 52 acres, and removing all mining buildings. The operators also began a long-term monitoring program to ensure long-term stability of the landscape. True North is one of the first — and the largest — modern hard rock mines on state land where operators have completed their work, the state has accepted the operator’s request to relinquish the land, and the land has been returned to the state for management consistent with current land use plans. Brune and Feige expressed appreciation to True North’s managers on a job well done, and thanked the many state permitters and regulators, some now retired, whose dedicated work ensured protection of the public interest at every step in the process.
testament to Fort Knox’s successful partnership with the State of Alaska and exemplifies its commitment to environmental stewardship. As a responsible mining company, we are very proud to be able to return the land back to the people of Alaska. Though Fort Knox still has many years of mine life remaining, responsible reclamation is always top of mind and is an important part of our mine planning, as we have demonstrated through our efforts at True North.” “Alaska’s founders knew responsible resource development was key to a secure and prosperous state, and our experience with True North shows that they were right,” said DNR Commissioner Corri Feige. “The developers leased state land, produced a valuable commodity to serve global markets, employed Alaskans, and paid state taxes and royalties. When they were done, they remediated the effects of their work and returned the land to the state for its next use. The system works.” DEC Commissioner Jason Brune praised the operators of True North for meeting both the spirit and letter of state environmental protection laws and demonstrating the wisdom of supporting responsible mineral production in Alaska. “I always say, ‘Think globally and develop locally,’
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www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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New and Renewing Members
Thank you to all the AMA corporate and individual members who joined or renewed their membership to the association in October. You make AMA possible!
Individual Nelson Alcala Bryan Arnold Charles W. Bell R L Foster
Professional Stephen Ball Kristen Benchley Dianne Blumer Theodore Evertz Lucus Gamble
Corporations Alaska Airlines Alaska Business GCI Business Jade North, LLC Lupine Enterprises
Steve Meehan Carl Portman Steve Reidsma Mark Robinson Kelsey Stockert Jessica Taft Frederick Transburg Evan Venechuk
Gregory Hagerty Gemma Hawley Natalie King & Jeff Kase Shannon Kelly Bob Loeffler
Operator Daniel Clark Douglas M & Kathleen Clark
Not yet a member of the Alaska Miners Association? Or have not yet renewed your membership for 2020? Renew today so you don’t miss a single issue of The Alaska Miner or this year’s 2020 Alaska Miners Handbook and Service Directory, available only to AMA members. Call or email Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director 907-270-9232. jennifer@AlaskaMiners.org.
Are you in the book for 2021? The 2021 Alaska Miners Handbook and Service Directory deadlines are coming up soon.
Don’t be left out!
The Handbook is distributed only to current AMA members and is the single best way to find and reach fellow miners, mining com- panies and support industries. Paid advertisers are also listed throughout the year in The Alaska Miner Magazine, telling the story of Alaska mining worldwide. Current members in good standing are listed free. Business listings and display advertising opportunities are available through our publisher Fireweed Strategies LLC. For more information and to confirm your space, call or email Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies. com or 907-957-6025.
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December 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Corporate Members
Please support and thank these companies who have renewed their support and corporate membership in AMA. Their continued support makes possible all the work we do in and for the mining industry. A & D Drilling ACZ Laboratories Inc. Advanced Supply Chain International LLC AECOM Ahtna Inc. AIDEA Alaska Aggregate Products LLC Alaska Airlines Alaska Business Coastal Helicopters Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine Colaska Colorado Mining Association Columbia River Carbonates Commonwealth North, Inc. CONAM Construction Company ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. Hyak Mining Company Hy-Tech Drilling USA Ltd. IBEW Local 1547 Idaho Mining Association Industrial Pumps of Alaska
RAM Enterprise, Inc. Redpath USA Corporation Remote Made Easy (PSSA) Remote Site Services Inc. Resolution Minerals Ltd Resource Development Council Rotak Helicopter Services Royal Gold Inc. Ruen Drilling Inc. Ryan Air Inc. Samson Tug & Barge Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology Satellite Technical Service Shoreside Petroleum Inc. Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Soloy Helicopters LLC Sophie Station Suites - Fountainhead Hotels Sound Quarry Inc. Sourdough Fuel/Petro Star Inc. Southeast Conference SRK Consulting Stantec Consulting Inc. Stinson LLP Stoel Rives LLP Sumitomo Metal Mining America Sundance Mining Group Swick Drilling North America T & J Enterprises Inc. Taiga Mining Company Inc. TDX Corporation Teck Alaska Inc. - Red Dog Temsco Helicopters Inc. The Alaska Support Industry Alliance The Silver Institute TOTE Maritime Alaska Inc. Tower Hill Mines Inc. - Livengood Project Trilogy Metals, Inc. Tyler Rental Inc. U.S. Ecology University Redi-Mix Usibelli Coal Mine Inc. Utah Mining Association Visit Anchorage Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Western Alaska Copper & Gold Company Western Pacific Crane & Equipment White Rock Minerals Ltd. Wolseley Industrial Group Women’s Mining Coalition World Trade Center Alaska Wyoming Mining Association Yukon Chamber of Mines Zonge International Inc.
Institute of Northern Engineering International Directional Services Ipop LLC Juneau Economic Development Council Kinross - Fort Knox Klondike Placer Miners’ Association Knight Piesold & Company Lignite Energy Council Lupine Enterprises Lynden Madison Lumber & Hardware Inc. Mascott Equipment Company Metco Alaska LLC MFCP/Jackovich Millrock Resources Inc. Montana Mining Association Motion Industries, Inc. NANA National EWP National Mining Association Nevada Mining Association New Mexico Mining Association North Star Terminal & Stevedore Co. LLC Northern Air Cargo Northern ANI Northern Industrial Training, LLC (Anchorage) Northern Industrial Training, LLC (Palmer) Northern Sonic Drilling and Consulting Northern Star (Pogo) LLC Northrim Bank Northspan Drilling Ltd. Northwest Mine Supply Northwest Territories & Nunavut Chamber of Mines Nova Minerals Limited NovaGold Resources Inc. Orica USA Inc. Oxford Assaying & Refining Pace Analytical Labs Pacific Rim Chemicals Pathfinder Aviation, LLC PDC Engineers/RESPEC Pebble Limited Partnership Perkins Coie LLP Petro Marine Services PND Engineers Inc. PolarX Limited Property Rights Foundation of America, Inc. Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Quality Auto Parts
Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. Construction Machinery Industrial LLC Consumer Energy Alliance Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) Craig Taylor Equipment Company Crowley Fuels LLC Cummins Sales & Service Dawson City Chamber of Commerce Delta Industrial Services Inc. Denali Industrial Supply Inc. Donlin Gold LLC Dorsey & Whitney LLP DOWL Dowland-Bach Corp Doyon, Limited DXP Alaska Pump & Supply Eastern Oregon Mining Association Ecological Land Services Inc. Energy Laboratories Inc. Equipment Source, Inc. ERM Alaska ESS Support Services Everts Air Cargo F.R. Bell & Associates, Inc. Fairweather LLC First Bank First Things First Alaska Foundation Flanders Inc. (Electrical Services) Frontier Supply Company GCI Business General Refining Corporation Geotemps Inc. Global Equipment Services Gold Buyers of Alaska -dba: GBA Assaying & Refining Granite Construction Company Graphite One Inc. Graymont Great Northwest Inc. Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Ground Truth Americas Inc. Hagglunds Products and Solutions, a Bosch Company HDR Heatherdale Resources Ltd Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company HighGold Mining Ltd Holland America Line - Princess Cruises
Alaska Coastal Aggregates LLC Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agricultural Bank Alaska Forest Association Alaska Frontier Constructors Inc. Alaska Industrial Hardware Alaska Land Exploration, LLC Alaska Policy Forum Alaska Power & Telephone Company Alaska Railroad Corporation Alaska Resource Education Alaska Rock Products Association Alaska Roteq Alaska State Chamber of Commerce Alaska Trucking Association Ambler Metals LLC American Exploration & Mining Association American Land Rights Association Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Anchorage Sand & Gravel Inc. Arctic Pipe and Utilities Arcticom LLC, a BSNC Company Arizona Mining Association Aspen Hotels of Alaska Associated General Contractors of Alaska Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia Aurora Geosciences (Alaska) Ltd. Automatic Welding & Supply Avidian Gold Corporation AVTEC - Alaska Vocational Technical Center Beacon Occupational Health and Bobcat of Juneau Boyer Towing Inc. Brenntag Pacific Brice Inc. Builders Choice Modular, LLC C & R Pipe and Steel Inc. CalCIMA Calista Corporation Carlile Chamber of Mines of Eastern British Columbia Chugach Alaska Corporation City of Ketchikan Safety Services, Inc. Big Ray’s Alaska Inc.
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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Alaska Mining Calendar
Alaska Earth Sciences Comprehensive Geologic Services
AMA events and
At-Home guidelines issued previously.
meetings, as well as most public events in Alaska, were canceled in line with the governor’s Stay-
p Geologic Consulting p Geologic Staffing p Geological Engineering p Reporting (including 43-101) p Logistics/Operation Coordination p Remote Site Management p GIS Services • Geologic Consulting • Geologic Staffing • Geologic Engineering • Reporting (including 43-101) • Logistics/Operation Coordination • Remote Site Management • GIS Services • Permitting Assistance • Community Engagement • Claims Staking • Claims Administration • Equipment Rental p Permitting Assistance p Community Engagement p Claims Staking p Claims Administration p Equipment Rental
Dedicated to responsible development of Alaska’s resources.
Check for updates and new events to come at AlaskaMiners.org.
Alaska Earth Sciences Comprehensive Geologic Services
AMA Branch Meetings
p Geologic Consulting p Geologic Staffing p Geological Engineering p Reporting (including 43-101) p Logistics/Operation Coordination p Remote Site Management p GIS Services
Dedicated to responsible development of Alaska’s resources.
Juneau Ramada by Wyndham Juneau Haines Bamboo Room Kenai Louie’s Restaurant Nome Polar Cafe
POSTPONED All AMA Branch
Meetings will resume in the future at these locations: Anchorage The Peanut Farm Fairbanks Westmark Hotel
p Permitting Assistance p Community Engagement p Claims Staking p Claims Administration p Equipment Rental
11401 Olive Lane, Anchorage, Alaska p 907-522-4664 www.alaskaearthsciences.com Dedicated to responsible development of Alaska’s resources.
11401 Olive Lane, Anchorage, Alaska p 907-522-4664 www.alaskaearthsciences.com
Follow Alaska Miners Association on Twitter: @AlaskaMiners
— JUNEAU, ALASKA — AVAILABLE STATEWIDE
And on Facebook: AlaskaMiners
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December 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
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