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.
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2020/2021 AMA Efforts Volume 49, Number 2
Journal of the Alaska Miners Association
AMA 2020: The Year in Review AMA looks back and forward to navigating challenging times. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy represented Alaska miners at Roundup in British Columbia in January; health workers at all Alaska mines face COVID-19 restrictions with determination and community support; AMA went online with Zoom weekly branch meetings and our first Virtual Annual Convention; Alaskans defeated the latest ballot initiative attacking resource development in November, while the U.S. elected a new president; and in December, Alaska miners played a key role in the rescue and recovery when Haines was devastated by a tragic landslide. Read our look back at 2020 inside.
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A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Members, Where were you a year ago? Remember February 2020? Gov. Mike Dunleavy had just represented our industry and state at Roundup in British Columbia. Strong support from Washington D.C. had cleared paths as mineral prices and demand soared. “Alaska is open for business!” he announced proudly. A number of Alaska projects were rapidly moving toward development. Throughout the state,
As fall approached, it became quite clear that an in-person event for the Annual Convention, our largest gathering of the year, would not be possible. So we pivoted that as well. Our committee, member volunteers, and more, came together to pull off an amazing 100% virtual event. While we missed the priceless face to face networking and storytelling that’s marked our conventions for decades, we again saw a bright spot in the situation: attendees did not have to pick and choose among sessions, and they didn’t have the expense in time and travel, which brought in more participants
mining companies were planning an aggressive and ambitious drilling and exploration season. Things were looking great for Alaska miners. Then the pandemic informed us that life had other plans, and what a year it’s been. So many of the things that we’ve taken for granted, that connect and enrich us, that are the essence of our AMA life — went away. Or changed so radically as to be unrecognizable. There is no remote, socially distant replacement for a hug, or a hearty handshake. Or a frank, direct eye-to-eye conversation to find solutions to problems. But like so many past experiences, miners remain up for a challenge, and find ways to get the job done. So, in this issue of the Journal, we are taking time to look back at this maddening, challenging year, to highlight what we’ve done together as an association, where we sit today, and what we see coming our way. Yes, the pandemic forced us to cancel so many events that are core part of AMA. Our biennial spring convention in Fairbanks, Mining Day at the fairs…the cancellations just kept coming, which we all knew was the right thing to do out of care for our people. So we pivoted. We couldn’t let Mining Day in May go unobserved. We worked with Governor Dunleavy’s office and DNR staff to recognize our amazing industry on this State-recognized day. We then began holding our Friday morning branch meetings together, as one association. We then realized a silver lining of the pandemic. We’d gone from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Haines, and Nome all holding their own respective Friday meetings to having our membership meet together, and hear from fellow members that typically we’d only hear from a few times per year. As of late, our weekly meetings have been generating over 200 attendees – we’d never pack that many in the Peanut Farm or the Prospector!
than ever! If anything, 2020 schooled us all on handwashing, protective distancing, and learning how to unmute yourself before speaking. What is everything, is that we have learned to adapt. The changes necessary to combat the pandemic have had a profound and deep financial impact on our association. But we’ve learned to work smarter and harder, and to never stop promoting Alaska’s miners on account of financial limitations. We did this through, yet again, the amazing resiliency and generosity of the miners. Hundreds of individuals and companies reached out to inquire what resources AMA needed to continue delivering its mission. Looking forward into 2021, we are still dealing with so much uncertainty. From a basic life standpoint, when will this virus finally be tamed? When will life return to normal? And even if things were “normal” (whatever that is), what lies before us politically? What we are certain of is the essential role mining is playing and will continue to play in Alaska. And you can be certain we, your association, will remain dedicated and relentless in defending your future and our industry. Thanks for being there through 2020, and the previous 80 years before that. And thanks for what I know will be the warmest, most humbling support moving forward. We’ve got this! 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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Year in Review 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
2020 Year In Review: Advocacy
In 2020, AMA managed the following advocacy efforts: n Submitted 49 unique comment letters and Action Alerts n Delivered 32 presentations and briefings n Participated in 189 meetings with members, agencies and other stakeholders Federal Issue Highlights n Advocated for fair Pebble process: Final EIS, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mitigation requirements, President Trump independent review, communication Senate staff on Interior Appropriations Protection of Bristol Bay language, pushback on denial of permits by USACE following conclusive EIS, specific AMA workgroup for strategy and communications, engagement in ongoing advocacy to promote fair and robust permitting process for mining n Studied final Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule; media interviews and briefings, evaluation of Alaska impacts to national partners, preparation for expected litigation n Submitted comments in support of Roadless Rule Exemption for the Tongass National Forest, Roadless Rule ROD and SEACC litigation, coordination with business organizations for coalition letter, Action Alerts, and comment drafts to grow supportive comments across Alaska n Tracked Proposed Rule to codify mining as covered sector eligible for streamlined permitting
under FAST 41 Act, comments in support for confirmed covered sector
n Submitted technical comments on CEQ’s NEPA Regulations revisions to improve permitting efficiency n Mining Law Reform and Dirt Tax Preparation of data for expected introduction of “Dirt Tax” in Congress; preparation with national partners for education and outreach in advance of Mining Law Reform Legislation n Engaged in outreach on EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to advocate for transparent education on data being reflective of environmental risk. Gained EPA tools to inform public about sites’ true environmental performance and worked with Alaska DEC and mines to educate Alaska communities n Participated in U.S. Army Corps permitting changes, in addition to WOTUS, submitted comments on revisions to Nationwide Permits and Alaska Regional Conditions, General Permits, and participated in awareness of Revolutionize Works Program n Submitted comments on Bering Sea Western Interior Plan, reviewed final Plan for impacts to Alaska’s miners; engaged in ongoing awareness as new Administration placed hold on Plan; prepared for 2021 release of Central Yukon Plan Review to solicit information from affected regions n Submitted comments and Action Alerts for Ambler Road DEIS and National Park Service EEA; engaged in outreach on Record of Decision and analyzed lawsuit brought against the Final Decision
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2020 Year In Review: State Issues
n Facilitated Governor Dunleavy’s attendance at Roundup Event in Vancouver, coordinated meetings with global mining companies, introduced State of Alaska personnel on trade show floor, and held highest-attended Alaska Night event to promote state mining industry n Conducted mining briefings for legislative candidates following Primary Election attended by 40 bipartisan candidates focused on mining activity, environmental, economic benefits, and participated in several other one-on-one candidate briefings and introductions to mining. In addition, coordinated submission of Candidate statements for the Alaska Miner
n Strongly advocated for passage of SB155, changes to Alaska’s mineral tenure statutes beginning with extensive efforts by AMA working group to highlight sections of law and proposed changes, and worked with Senator Click Bishop, other legislators, DNR, and others to advance SB155 to pass the Legislature as they quickly recessed for COVID-19. Following, engaged in targeted recognition efforts for key legislators and supporters, media outreach and Press Releases to educate on the issue. Developed comments for scoping period to draft regulations revisions to comport with statutory changes, and evaluated proposed revisions to comment before finalization
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Year in Review 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
2020 Year In Review: State Issues
extensive responses to misinformation and continued coalition building. Upon abrupt recess of Legislature, worked in interim to collaborate with DEC. n Opposed oil tax Ballot Measure; participated in multi-business group lawsuit are: noncompliance with ballot measure law, joined OneAlaska coalition, provided testimony and presentations from mining industry perspective. n Adopted workgroup on University of Alaska issues, including advocating for retention of mining programs, convened special stakeholder meeting with UAF Chancellor Dan White, advocated for University Lands legislation - the Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act
October magazine so that miners could learn about candidates’ positions and priorities n Continued efforts to correct Alaska’s Instream Flow Reservations structure, commented on proposed applications and reviews, submitted comments during scoping phase and reviewed regulations changes and developed coalition to submit technical comments n Continued efforts on creating process for Tier 3 Waters designation: advocated in support of legislation to ensure Legislative approval of a Tier 3 water designation, deliberated amendments that attempted consensus in Alaska House, provided comment letters and testimony to Legislature, prepared
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2020 Year In Review: COVID-19 Response
n Worked with DNR and BLM offices to educate on alternative and remote ways to access, and to ensure miners’ physical access to public offices to meet annual deadlines, including email, direct mail, social media, and phone calls to all claim holders regardless of AMA membership status n Transitioned AMA Statewide Office to blended status of remote and one- person staffing; ensured multiple points of contacts for miners to reach AMA Staff and Leadership, developed safety protocols for essential contacts n Converted AMA events like Mining Day, weekly branch meetings, and Annual Convention to virtual and performed extensive outreach and education to ensure all miners had equipment, expertise, and access to participate in AMA virtually
As a critical and essential industry, AMA pushed to ensure members had the tools they needed to navigate the pandemic: n Worked with Alaska’s six large operating mines and Council of Alaska Producers to advocate for a state and federal designation of mining as a critical and essential industry n Coordinated with Alaska’s miners to develop Workforce and Community Protection Plans n Facilitated work session with DNR, Unified Command, health officials to adopt guidelines for placer and exploration field season mobilization prior to spring n Created dedicated AMA webpage on COVID-19 to post guidance and resources for miners and the public on protection plans and access to government agency offices
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Year in Review 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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2020 Year In Review: Communications
n Produced eight monthly and four quarterly editions of the Alaska Miner with timely updates, recognition of members, miner interviews, Executive Director and Board President columns, Miner Calendar, Index of Advertisers, and much more n Achieved readership of more than 20,000 industry, government, and business leaders for AMA publications n Completed survey of mining activity and developed Annual Economic Benefits of Alaska’s Mining Industry Report by McKinley Group n Produced Annual AMA Handbook and Service Directory containing miner reference materials, membership listings, advertisements for those who serve Alaska’s miners, key dates and information, contacts for public officials, and overview of Alaska’s landowners n Managed Alaskaminers.org website to share copies of AMA comments, testimony, and presentations; feature reference and guidance materials; host communications, publications, and reports; share spotlights of Board and Staff; archive event presentations and other materials; and share career postings n Maintained significant social media presence, including 3,842 Facebook followers and 298 unique posts; 1,771 Twitter followers with 121 unique posts, 577 mentions, and 71,891 impressions n Produced weekly Executive Director reports available exclusively to members
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2020 Year In Review: Membership
across the state together on regular basis n Produced 2020 AMA Virtual Convention in lieu of an in-person event, including three full days of 27 Technical Session Speakers, sold out short course, and 7 Core Shack and Prospector Tent Exhibitors n Deployed Sustaining Sponsors Campaign to request financial support in absence of AMA fundraising events; received $162,220 in supportive funding from 122 companies and 19 individuals to assist in AMA’s mission through 2020- 2021
n Maintained 925 individual and 346 corporate members in 2020 n Welcomed 139 new members to AMA n Work to ensure no members with financial hardship due to COVID-19 would lose membership benefits n Organized weekly branch meetings with specific regional or statewide focuses, rotated hosting duties per regional branches of the state, performed outreach to public officials that historically could not attend in person events to attract their attention to this more accessible meeting, evaluated long-term solutions to bring all miners
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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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Year in Review 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
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Thank You
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What Does AMA Mean to You?
Dan Graham, General Manager, Donlin Gold AMA is a place to learn from coworkers; a place to share ideas
Joe Usibelli, Usibelli Coal Mine Usibelli Coal Mine has been an active member of AMA for decades. We proudly supply coal to six power plants in Interior Alaska that provide affordable and reliable heat and power to
and collectively devise solutions to challenges we face; it is an entity we as projects learn to look to for help and know we can rely on without fail. It is a dedicated group of very few employees and numerous volunteers. Curt Freeman, Geologist In early 1989, Alaska and American Mining Hall of Famer Dr. Earl Beistline gave me a copy of the minutes of the first AMA Board of Directors meeting,
military bases, homes, hospitals, schools and businesses. Usibelli is the largest private-sector, year-round employer in the Denali Borough and we contribute revenues to our local and state governments. Being an AMA member has helped us achieve our success, and we know that our Association will keep on fighting for Alaska miners no matter the challenge.
Tisha Kuhns, Vice President of Land and Natural Resources, Calista Corporation Since my career
held in 1939. Sadly, I no longer have that document but I read part of those minutes to the 1989 AMA
started in geology in 2005, the Alaska Miners Association events were (and still are) a huge learning event for me. Not only were the educational sessions great, it was a place to catch up with other colleagues, who have moved on to
convention in Anchorage. What I read was a short list of the issues facing the 1939 Alaska Mining industry. Change the date, and a few names and that list of issues is virtually the same today. Access, infrastructure, 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 organization that is stronger than the sum of its parts. Its role as an advocate for the industry, as an educational forum for the jobs and products we create, is critical to a resource- rich state like Alaska.
work on other projects in Alaska. AMA has been a stable source for our industry from updates in the political realm that could have impacts on the industry to setting a high standard for operating in Alaska. These standards don’t just stay within the industry but has lasting and positive effects for our cities, boroughs, businesses and, naturally, becomes such an internal standard-value that we bring it home to our families. I am proud to be an AMA Board Member. Thank you, AMA, for keeping our industry aligned!
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Year in Review 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
What Does AMA Mean to You?
Click Bishop, State Senator The Alaska Miners
never worked for an industry where there is such a bond, even competing companies. It is inspiring to be part of AMA and this industry.
Association is the glue that keeps the industry alive and well. The dedicated efforts of the staff, as well as the vocational and industry partners make the
Houston Morris, Industrial Equipment Supplier and Brewer AMA is also a unified
voice, and not only educates the public, but has a very strong influence politically. I want to be involved to help advocate and educate the population on the
organization what it is. Without them we would not have an industry that is key to Alaska and the country’s economic future going forward.
Nick Enos, Geoscientist AMA is the champion for responsible mineral development in
need and benefits of mining to the state. Mineral development is so important. Not only for myself and Industrial Pumps Of Alaska, but for Alaska’s economic growth and Independence. I think being the chairman gives myself and Industrial Pumps of Alaska more of a platform to help educate people about the mining industry. Taiga Mining Placer mining is a challenging, unpredictable endeavor, and we run a very lean management team for our operation. Being a member of AMA allows us to do that, because of the resources and support the association provides. The long-term investment in AMA has paid off for us immeasurably, as both an individual operation and the mining industry as a whole. We consider it a duty and privilege to support AMA, even through tough times, so they can continue to serve their mission and support operations like ours into the future. Editor’s Note: Tell us what you love about AMA too! Email your thoughts to Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com for use in a future issue of our publications.
Alaska. It’s a voice representing such a diverse membership, from small family placer
miners, to world- class operations. I honestly can’t imagine our industry being successful in Alaska without AMA. AMA also means seeing many longtime friends and colleagues in November!
Traci Hartz AMA, to me, means support of this industry.
It means friends working together to achieve the best
outcome for all Alaskan miners and explorers. It means family because
what AMA and our members strive to
accomplish together affects so much more than just our job. It affects our family life. I have
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Alaska Miners Association Political Action Committee Figures
A full list of AMA’s efforts is available here: www.alaskaminers.org/take-action
we share mining news n Despite lack of in-person fundraisers, 43 donors provided $14,550 in donations to AMAPAC n 26 bipartisan candidates received $15,650 in contributions n Stringent compliance with Alaska Public Offices Commission
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Year in Review 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
AMA, Council of Alaska Producers Unveil Annual Economic Report
n Mostly year-round jobs for residents of 90+ communities throughout Alaska, half of which are found in rural Alaska Mining was a bright spot in our economy. There were no significant production disruptions or worker layoffs and millions of dollars in payroll continued to be infused throughout many Alaska communities. Mining companies injected critical dollars into local economies in Juneau, Fairbanks and Anchorage. 2020 numbers saw an increase of 100 direct and 200 indirect jobs, $150 million more in payroll, and a $3,000 increase in the average annual wage from $112 million. Revenues to local governments increased by $12 million and to the state by $5 million. The number of Alaska communities with mining industry employees increased from 70 to over 90 communities. Mining truly does work for Alaska. The report is available for download on AMA’s website: www.alaskaminers.org/economic-benefits
The Annual Economic Benefits of Alaska’s Mining Industry report by McKinley Research Group (formerly McDowell Group) is now available. Benefits brought to Alaska in 2020 include: n 4,700 and 9,600 direct and indirect jobs attributed to Alaska’s mining industry n $890 million in total direct and indirect payroll, not including highly competitive benefit packages n $880 million in purchases of goods and services from about 600 Alaska vendors n Some of Alaska’s highest-paying jobs with an average annual wage of $115,320; more than twice the state average for all sectors of the economy n $49 million in local government revenue n $117 million in state government revenue through mining licenses, rents, royalties, fees and taxes, and other government-related payments n $175 million in payments to Alaska Native Corporations
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Rainer Trucking Inc. P.O. Box 72905 Fairbanks, AK 99707 EMAIL rainertruckinginc@yahoo.com PHONE (907) 457-2000 FAX (907) 455-4614
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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 November and December. You make AMA possible! Corporations
Lorali Simon Richard Sivils Shane Smithhisler
Individual Bert Bamford Matthew Bidwell Ben Birch Jerome & Stephanie Birch
Mark Isto Colin Keith Wendell Koontz Raymond & Vicke Kukowski Jason Lamb
Contango ORE, Inc. DGI Geoscience US Haines Development, Inc. Royal Gold Inc. Sound Quarry Inc. Stantec Consulting Inc. Taiga Mining Company Inc. Tectonic Metals Inc. Ucore Rare Metals Inc. Usibelli Coal Mine Inc.
Roger Speer Bill Stormont Mike Talerico Ethan Trickey Joe Usibelli Jr. Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse Fred Wallis Glen Weaver Alina Wyatt Ben Ziegman
Kevin N. Brown Robert Brown Calvin Carlson Ryan Cooper Juan Davila-Oliveros David Dixon Melissa Fiorina Beth Poplawski & Thomas Fish Cathy Giessel Paul & Jacqui Glavinovich Bill Graham Tammy Oswald & Kevin Greenfield Jason Hart Scott Hartman
Alex Legrismith Rochelle Lindley Kevin Mayo Drew Miller Ryan Miller Matt Nelson Brandon Plaquet McLain Pray Craig Pueschel Alan E. Renshaw Michael Roper Victor Ross Roger Schnabel Michael Schrider Justin Seavey John Shank Karl Shibe
Operator Paul Shearer
Professional Heather Brooks Thomas Bundtzen Harold J. Noyes Leslie Olmstead
Dale Henkins Lisa Herbert Penny Hobbie
Scott Selzer Kevin Torpy
Not yet a member of the Alaska Miners Association? Or have not yet renewed your membership for 2021? Renew today so you don’t miss a single issue of The Alaska Miner or this year’s 2021 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.
ALASKAMINERS.ORG DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE RECENTLY REDESIGNED ALASKAMINERS.ORG!
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
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Year in Review 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 Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine Colaska Colorado Mining Association Columbia River Carbonates Commonwealth North, Inc. CONAM Construction Company ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. Holland America Line - Princess Cruises 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 Roughstock Mining Services LLC Royal Gold Inc. Ruen Drilling Inc. Ryan Air Inc. Samson Tug & Barge Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology Satellite Technical Service Sealaska Corporation 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 Tectonic Metals Inc. 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 Ucore Rare Metals Inc. 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
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 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 Contango ORE, Inc. Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) Craig Taylor Equipment Company Crowley Fuels LLC
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 Coastal Helicopters Safety Services, Inc. Big Ray’s Alaska Inc.
Cryopeak LNG Solutions Cummins Sales & Service Dawson City Chamber of Commerce
Delta Industrial Services Inc. Denali Industrial Supply Inc. DGI Geoscience US 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 Haines Development, Inc. HDR
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.
Heatherdale Resources Ltd Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company HighGold Mining Ltd
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I Year in Review 2020
21
Alaska Mining Calendar
Alaska Earth Sciences Comprehensive Geologic Services
n Via Zoom (visit www.
were canceled in line with the governor’s Stay-At-Home guidelines issued previously.
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.
alaskaminers.org for Zoom link), Every Friday at 7 a.m.
Alaska Earth Sciences Comprehensive Geologic Services
n All other AMA events and
n Check for
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.
updates and new events to come at AlaskaMiners. org.
meetings, as well as most public events in Alaska,
p Permitting Assistance p Community Engagement p Claims Staking p Claims Administration p Equipment Rental
AMA Branch Meetings
11401 Olive Lane, Anchorage, Alaska p 907-522-4664 www.alaskaearthsciences.com Dedicated to responsible development of Alaska’s resources.
POSTPONED All AMA Branch Meetings will resume in the future at these locations: Anchorage The Peanut Farm Fairbanks Westmark Hotel
Haines Bamboo Room Juneau Ramada by Wyndham Junea Kenai Louie’s Restaurant Nome Polar Cafe
11401 Olive Lane, Anchorage, Alaska p 907-522-4664 www.alaskaearthsciences.com
— JUNEAU, ALASKA — AVAILABLE STATEWIDE
✓ CONSTRUCTION ✓ EXPLORATION ✓ CONTRACT
Follow Alaska Miners Association on Twitter: @AlaskaMiners
✓ SUPPORT ✓ CHARTER
operations@coastalhelicopters.com 907-789-5600 www.coastalhelicopters.com
And on Facebook: AlaskaMiners
22
Year in Review 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
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