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.
Join us on May 10, 2019 to celebrate! See Page 4 for additional information
May 2019 Volume 47, Number 5
Journal of the Alaska Miners Association
We’re looking pretty good for 80! The Alaska Miners Association is celebrating a big milestone this year. Incorporated August 4, 1939, this year AMA celebrates its 80th Anniversary!
May 10, 2019 is Alaska Mining Day and it is also the first of many events celebrating our 80th Anni- versary in 2019.
The AMA’s 80th Anniversary Kick-off Party will be May 10, 4-7 p.m. as we team up with the Council of Alaska Producers to celebrate Mining Day and our industry at the Matanuska Brewing Compa- ny, located in mid-town Anchorage. We’re planning remarks from dignitaries, Alaska-themed appetizers, signature mining beers, as well as a specialty cocktail. Tickets are $25.00 per person and can be purchased online at our website: alaskaminers.org. We look forward to seeing you there! Mining Day was established by legislation sponsored by Senator Cathy Giessel “to recognize and honor the intrepid individuals and industry that played an enormous role in settling and developing the territory and the state and that continue to contribute to the economy of the state ” in 2013. Here, we plan to celebrate the day, and unveil how we plan to celebrate the rest of the year.
SB1, the Legislation creating Alaska Mining Day, being signed into law by former Governor Sean Parnell in 2013.
continued on page 5
EXPECTATIONS. LIFTS WHAT OTHERS CAN’T.
Wade Gies Manager Fairbanks Branch
Clayton Dunn Sales and PSSR Fairbanks Branch
ANCHORAGE BRANCH 5400 Homer Drive Anchorage, AK 99518
FAIRBANKS BRANCH 2615 20th Ave Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 455-9600 (907) 455-9700 F
JUNEAU BRANCH 5302 Commercial Blvd Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 780-4030 (907) 780-4800 F
KETCHIKAN BRANCH 7332 N. Tongass Hwy. Ketchikan, AK 99901 (907) 247-2228 (907) 247-2229 F
(907) 563-3822 (907) 563-1381 F
Our people, technology, solutions and equipment are Hitachi through and through. This full integration delivers unmatched efficiency, reliability and durability.
HitachiConstruction.com
2
May 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Members, As you will see throughout this issue, we will gather Friday, May 10, to cele- brate Alaska Mining Day. When intro- ducing legislation establishing Alaska Mining Day in 2013, Senator Cathy Giessel recognized that May 10 is an influential day for the mining industry. The General Mining Law, signed May 10, 1872, established the system that
The hardrock mining industry alone generated an estimated $17 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2017. The industry pays between 40 to 50 percent of earnings in federal, state and local royalties, taxes and other fees. In Alaska, our industry contrib- uted nearly $185 million in state and local taxes last year. These numbers cover just government revenues alone, and don’t scratch the surface of economic benefits in jobs and wages, procurement to small businesses, and revenues to Alaska Na- tive Corporations. In Washington DC, we are now at a policy crossroads. On one side, there are those that want to take us down a path to bury the mining industry under unnecessary new regulation and destroy its global competitiveness. On the other, leaders, like our own Senator Lisa Murkowski, recognize the strategic importance of the U.S. mining industry and want to encourage – not discourage – new production and mining investment. At a hearing earlier this year, she remarked that the U.S. is head- ed in the wrong direction on mineral imports. “This is our Achil- les’ heel that serves to empower and enrich other nations, while costing us jobs and international competitiveness,” she said. She’s absolutely right. The future of the U.S. economy – and the future of Alaska’s econ- omy – depends on mining which provides the materials for nearly every industry and product we use. We need strong leadership in Washington to ensure the nation’s mining industry can not only compete but thrive. Here in Alaska, it can be said we have many policies at their re- spective crossroads, but in our state we’ll be gathered with our strong leaders like Senator Dan Sullivan, Department of Natu- ral Resources Commissioner Corri Feige, and Representative George Rauscher to celebrate this incredible industry at Alaska Mining Day.
governs hardrock prospecting and mining in the United States and led the country to become a global leader in minerals min- ing. The General Mining Law covers land tenure, taxation, claims systems, and other legal mechanisms in which metal mining is governed on federal lands. This year, centered upon the significance of the May 10 date, there is an effort underway to overhaul the General Mining Law. This effort is either punitive or driven by a gross misunderstand- ing of how the hardrock mining industry is regulated and is fo- cused on two false narratives. First, it suggests that the Mining Law needs reform because it doesn’t include necessary envi- ronmental protections. Second, it claims that the hardrock min- ing industry isn’t paying its fair share and should be subject to a new federal royalty on production. In reality, the hardrock mining industry is one of the most high- ly-regulated industries in the world. What these proponents of an overhaul conveniently ignore is that the Mining Law is not an environmental statute . It is complemented by a comprehensive network of state and federal environmental, ecological and rec- lamation regulations. For example, the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act all apply to and govern mining. These are but a few of the federal laws and regulations that populate that comprehensive network. Trying to include environmental protections in an over- hauled Mining Law would only be duplicative and would provide no additional benefit. Regardless of the core motivation of those pushing for Min- ing Law overhaul, the result would be the same: mining invest- ment would flee, essential state tax and royalty revenue from mining projects would dry up and U.S. mineral import reliance would snowball.
Deantha Crockett Executive Director
Executive Board Mike Satre, President Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company, Juneau Bill Jeffress, First Vice President SRK Consulting, Anchorage Bartly Kleven, Second Vice President Kinross – Fort Knox, Fairbanks Kim Aasand, Treasurer Aasand & Glore LLC, Anchorage Branch Chairmen Ted Hawley, Anchorage Roger Speer, Denali Anna Atchison, Fairbanks James Sage, Haines Frank Bergstrom, Juneau Jim Duffield, Kenai Blake Bogart, Nome Andrew Spokely, Ketchikan/Prince of Wales
Committee Chairmen Kevin Adler, Convention Howard Grey and JP Tangen, Federal Oversight Steve Grabacki, Fisheries Meg Day, HR/Workforce Development Paul Glavinovich, State Oversight Follow us anytime: Online at AlaskaMiners.org Like us on Facebook at Alaska Miners Association Follow us on Twitter @alaskaminers
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.
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 Crockett, Executive Director Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director Laci Michaud, Projects Manager Darlene Strickland, Bookkeeper/Membership
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I May 2019
3
80 80 TH ANNIVERSARY 1939 - 2019
FOR THOSE WHO DIG BEER.... You Are Invited! Help us kick-off AMAʼs 80th anniversary with a celebration on Alaska Mining Day!
DATE: Friday, May 10, 2019 TIME: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: Matanuska Brewing Co. - Anchorage COST: $25.00 per person TICKETS: Purchase online at alaskaminers.org
4
May 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Mining Day, continued from Page 1
AMA will partner with the Council of Alaska Producers to tell the Alaska mining story at fairs and festivals all summer. This year, in addition to the Alaska State Fair in Palmer and Gold Rush Days in Juneau, we’ve added the Southeast Alaska State Fair in Haines. Please mark your calendars for the following dates and plan to join
us for showcasing our industry around the state. • July 28: Southeast Alaska State Fair Haines, AK • August 2: Tanana Valley State Fair: Fairbanks, AK
• August 31: Alaska State Fair: Palmer, AK Watch for more details about our birthday celebration August 4.
Of course, we’ll take the opportunity to celebrate our anniversary with a grand finale at the Annu- al Convention, our AMA family reunion, Novem- ber 3-9 in Anchorage. The 2019 AMA Convention theme, events and banquet will be focused on our 80 years of success. And watch for a special 80th Anniversary edition of our Alaska Miner Magazine in July, with looks both back and forward at the amazing story of mining in Alaska. You can keep track of these events and more at our newly renovated website, www.alaskaminers.org. The past 80 years have proven there’s no challenge an Alaska Miner can’t handle! Celebrate with us all year.
Your source for advanced mining survey technology www.axisminetech.com
Ultra High-Speed, Non-Stop Gyro Surveying
Available in our next generation
On Cable | On Rods | On Overshot | Pump-in Align The Rig, Survey The Hole
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I May 2019
5
BLM taking comments on draft Bering Sea-Western Interior plan
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Bureau of Land Management’s Anchorage Field Office is seeking public comments on a draft plan for future public land management actions in the Bering Sea-Western Interior region of Alaska. The 90-day public com- ment period closes June 13, 2019. The planning area consists of about 62.3 million acres of land, including almost 13.5 million acres of public lands managed by the BLM Anchorage Field Office. When complete, the revised plan will replace the 1981 Southwest Management Framework Plan and a small portion of the 1986 Central Yukon Resource Management Plan for BLM-managed public lands in the plan- ning area. The draft plan outlines the goals, objectives, and actions being considered to guide the management of these public lands, including management of subsistence resources, mineral exploration and development, and recreation. “The alternatives in this draft plan were carefully crafted in re- sponse to issues and concerns brought to us through extensive public involvement that ran from 2013 through 2015,” said BLM Anchorage Field Office Manager Bonnie Million. “We look for- ward to meeting with residents of the area again throughout this public comment period to hear their feedback.” The Draft Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS) and supporting information are available on the BLM ePlanning site. A link to ePlanning can be found at www.blm.gov/alaska/BSWI.
Copies of the DRAFT RMP/EIS are also available for review at the following locations: BLM Anchorage Field Office, 4700 BLM Road, Anchorage, AK 99507 BLM Alaska Public Information Center (Public Room) at the Federal Building 222 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99507 Alaska Resources Library & Information Services (ARLIS) Library Building, 3211 Providence Drive, Ste 111, Anchorage, AK 99507 Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Office 807 Eddie Hoffman Highway, Bethel, AK 99559 Comments are due no later than June 13 and can be submitted by the following methods: • Commenting through the BLM ePlanning website. The link to ePlanning can be found at www.blm.gov/alaska/ BSWI (Once on ePlanning, click on the “comment” button next to the Draft RMP/EIS document) • Emailing comments to: BSWI_RMP_Comment@blm.gov • Mailing comments to: BLM Anchorage Field Office, Attn: BSWI RMP, 4700 BLM Road, Anchorage, AK 99507 • Providing comments at a public meeting. The BLM will host a series of public meetings to provide in- formation and answer questions. These meetings will be an- nounced here: www.blm.gov/alaska/BSWI
Choose from the Largest Inventory of Pipe and Steel in Alaska
Helping you deliver on time , on budget and safely . Improve efficiencies and minimize risk of error with technologies from leading brands, AMC and REFLEX.
Authorized Dura Tuff Grouser Bar Distributors #6-#10 Grouser in Stock 907•456•8386 crpipeandsteel.com
Discover more at our websites reflexnow.com | amcmud.com or contact Kurt M 907 313 0298 | T 801 364 0233 | kurt.radtke@imdexlimited.com
6
May 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
End of the Trail
Lovelock, Nevada, a large open pit, heap leach operation in Lovelock, Nevada. In 1989, Wheeler took over as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coeur, bent on making the company a major world gold and silver producer. Over the course of the next 20 years, the company purchased and developed mines on three continents, in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Mexico in South America; in Australia and New Zealand, and in Alaska at the Kensington gold mine outside Juneau. Sensitive to the environmental reputation mining had devel- oped from its early, frontier days, Wheeler became a force in environmentally responsible mining and conservation in Idaho, Nevada and Alaska, earning numerous environmental awards for the company and developing the motto for Coeur that still stands of “Producing and Protecting.” He is survived by his wife Jackie, daughters Michelle and Wen- di Wheeler and Maura Schmidt; son Bradley; and granddaugh- ters Taryn, Trista and Tori Wheeler and Sara Carley. Robert Appleford 1953 - 2019
Dennis E. Wheeler 1942 - 2019
Dennis E. Wheeler , who took a mining company started from his grandparents’ bakery in Wallace, Idaho, and built it into a $2 billion international gold and silver mining enterprise on three continents, including the Kensington mine outside Ju- neau, has died. He was 76.
Wheeler was one of the last of the larger-than-life entrepre- neurial businessmen who emerged from the mining world of the American West in the late 20 th century, the driving force in- side his company, Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation. Wheeler was born in 1942 in Wallace, the county seat in the heart Idaho’s Silver Valley – the Coeur d’Alene Mining District – one of the major silver mining regions of the world where more than two billion ounces of silver would be drawn from deep un- derground shafts in the 20 th century. Dennis earned undergraduate and law degrees from Univer- sity of Idaho, and joined Coeur d’Alene Mines, as the com- pany purchased another mine in Idaho, Thunder Mountain in the 1960s, and opened the Rochester gold and silver mine in
Robert Jay Appleford, 65, of Fairbanks, passed away March 31.
Robbie was born on Nov. 30, 1953, in Lewiston, Idaho, to Mary and Edison Appleford. He grew up on a ranch in Anatone, Washington, and came to Alas- ka in 1976 with college friends Clark Simpson and Rick Kamerrer.
Robbie worked on the Trans Alaska Pipeline but found his real love in mining. He mined all over Alaska including Harrison Creek, Central, Eureka, Circle, Manley, Tofty and Fairbanks. On Robbie’s last adventure he was headed to Rampart. Robbie married Joni Campbell on Oct. 23, 2002, at the Chatan- ika Lodge. He had a knack for fixing things and was an excellent fabricator and welder. He was able to do any kind of work he put his mind to, but the majority of his time was spent operating heavy equipment and as a heavy equipment mechanic. He was a retired member of the International Union of Operat- ing Engineers Local 302, and was a member of the Fairbanks Miners Association. He is survived by his wife, Joni; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Barb Appleford; stepsons, Aaron and Andrew Simmons and stepdaughters, Jessica Simmons and Cassey; as well as many nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Online condolences may be made to the family at Blanchard- familyfuneralhome.com.
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I May 2019
7
Still time to comment on Pebble EIS
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Pebble Project. The USACE is accepting comments through May 30. Public hearings in April across Alaska have drawn hundreds of comments including many opponents often funded by outside anti-development groups. The current comment period is part of due process and the rule of law and is an early step in a very long process, which will also include multiple and ongoing opportunities for public input. Alaska utilizes a well-established permitting and review process, with multiple opportunities for public input, and review by local, state, and federal agencies. This permitting process is the foundation for reviewing any development project in Alaska. Project proponents have incorporated a number of alternatives to the newly-proposed mine plan. The footprint of the facilities has been reduced to minimize the impact to areas of known subsistence use, waterbodies, wildlife, and areas of cultural significance. The project plan has eliminated the need for a permanent waste rock storage facility. Action Requested: The public comment process is an important step and your voice is needed. Please take a moment to make your support of responsible development, the diversification of Alaska’s economy, and the permitting process for all projects heard.
Submit online : https://pebbleprojecteis.com/or https://peb- bleprojecteis.com/publiccomments/neweiscomment Send an email to: drafteis@comments.pebbleprojecteis.com Mail to: Program Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 645 G Street, Suite 100-921, Anchorage, AK 99501 Points to consider: • Project proponents have greatly reduced the projected footprint of the proposed mine and have mitigated potential impacts in a way that will allow the mine to be responsibly developed. • There will be no major mine facilities in the Upper Talarik/ Kvichak Rivers drainage. • The project is in a region of Alaska where few other economic opportunities exist. In addition to jobs and economic benefits, the project is expected to provide an estimated $1 billion to the State over 20 years. • Project proponents have responded to public concerns and have committed to no use of cyanide for gold recovery. • Every project, no matter the size or location, should have an opportunity to be reviewed under existing legal processes. In the case of mining, there are more than 60
2019 AMA MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT CHALLENGE! RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS TO AMA FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 2 ALASKA AIRLINES ROUND-TRIP TICKETS!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
THANK YOU FOR RECRUITING
• Chip Brown • Glenna Smith • Jeff Boehm • James McIntosh • Chevy Fowler • Joshua Hudgins
• KC Jones • Donna Welch • Haynes Tormey • Richard Flanders
• Liz Cornejo • Gary Gorny
8
May 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
maintain rural schools and culture, including traditional ways of life. • The plan describes how Pebble will use two water treatment plants to ensure discharge meets Alaska’s criteria for water prior to release and will use a sophisticated water management plan that will strategically discharge water in all three nearby streams to benefit fish habitat. • The fate of a project, including Pebble, cannot be rationally decided without consideration of the full social, economic and environmental impacts of the project. • Project proponents have studied the environment to design a plan that best coexists with the surrounding elements. These studies have placed significant emphasis on analyzing the fish and water resources in and around the proposed project. • Modern mining techniques are constantly improving and Alaska has a good environmental track record with mining that coexists with fish and wildlife resources. • The Pebble deposit has the potential to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual economic activity for Alaska, as well as significant revenues for state and local governments. • The project is expected to employ up to 2,000 people during the construction phase, and 850 people full time and all year during the 20 years of operations.
major permits and hundreds more from local, state, and federal agencies that must be successfully obtained. • The Pebble deposit is located on state land specifically designated for mineral exploration. • The project will create much needed job opportunities which will likely lead to reduced out-migration, helping to AMA members hear an update on the Pebble Project at a recent Anchorage branch meeting. Public comment hearings in April on the project drew large crowds and a lot of misinformation about the project.
Your Southeast Alaska Mine Supply Headquarters
Photo: Sandvik
Photo: Sandvik
www.tylerrental.com (907) 780-2210 Let’s Make it Happen!
Authorized Dealer
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I May 2019
9
Usibelli Coal Mine achieves all-time best safety record
Employees at Usibelli Coal Mine (UCM) have worked 798 con- secutive days without a single lost time accident (LTA), setting a new record for safety at the mine. They hit that milestone April 10. The mine’s previous safety re- cord was set in 2006 at 797 days without a lost time accident. “While we are proud of this accomplishment, there is never a sense of complacency about the safety challenge,” said Joe Usibelli Jr., UCM president and CEO. “We place a strong emphasis on safety every day. We continu- ously work to change behaviors and workplace conditions that could lead to an incident at work.” UCM sponsors an internal safety program--Everyday Safety— At Work. At Home. At Play. and is also implementing the CORE Safety framework of the National Mining Association (NMA). These programs help UCM employees understand their shared level of responsibility for creating a workplace culture where safety is priority number one. “Everyone has the right to go home safe at the end of each shift,” said Usibelli. The company is a participating member in CORE Safety and is working towards certification with NMA. “Over the past year, UCM employees have been strategically evaluating our current health and safety management systems and practices to improve overall safety, reduce workplace risks and create better, safer working conditions for all employees,” said Matt Nelson, UCM human resource and safety director.
Mine employees in Healy celebrated the milestone with pizza over the lunch hour. A company-wide celebration will be May 16, 2019, during which employees will receive a company jack- et commemorating the safety achievement and renew their commitment to putting safety first—every day. Troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining mining equipment on-site is necessary to support coal production at UCM. Located in Healy, 115-miles from the nearest major city, the mine's maintenance employees are part of the talented workforce that keeps mining operations going.
SANY America’s line of dependable, powerful hydraulic excavators continues to expand, furthering the reach customers demand in applications such as mining, excavation, trenching, loading and site leveling. Get started. Dig in with SANY excavators, and dig in to greater pro tability.
Digging Deep Economically.
in with SANY excavators, and dig in to greater profitability.
2536 Commercial Drive • Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 274-7368 • Fax: (907) 258-4623 www.toteminc.com YOUR ALASKAN DEALER
SANY America’s line of dependable, powerful hydraulic excavators continues to expand, furthering the reach customers demand in applications such as excavation, trenching, loading, site leveling, demolition and utilities/piping. Get started. Dig in with SANY excavators, and dig in to greater profitability.
Digging SANY America Inc. 318 Cooper Circle, Peachtree City, GA 30269 Tel: 678-251-2869 | Fax: 770-632-7820 Email: sales@sanyamerica.com www.sanyamerica.com SANY America Inc. 318 Cooper Circle, Peachtree City, GA 30269 Tel: 678-251-2869 | Fax: 770-632-7820 Email: sales@sanyamerica.com www.sanyamerica.com
2536 Commercial Drive • Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 274-7368 • Fax: (907) 258-4623 www.toteminc.com SANY America Inc. 318 Cooper Circle, Peachtree City, GA 30269 Tel: 678-251-2869 | Fax: 770-632-7820 Email: sales@sanyamerica.com www.sanyamerica.com
10
May 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
“I’m incredibly proud of our team and applaud them for their tire- less efforts to improve safety performance—this is a milestone worth celebrating,” said Usibelli. Founded in 1943 by Emil Usibel- li, Usibelli Coal Mine is located near the town of Healy and is 115 miles south of Fairbanks and 250 miles north of Anchorage adja- cent to the Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad. UCM currently has a workforce of 100 employees and operates year-round. Mine produc- tion has grown from 10,000 tons in 1943 to approximately 1-million tons of coal per year.
EVERYDAY SAFETY
RECORD-SETTING 2019
Currently the only operational coal mine in Alaska, UCM is supported by the most modern mining equipment and state- of-the-art engineering. Today, UCM supplies coal to five Inte- rior Alaska power plants and over the years has exported coal to Chile, South Korea, Japan and several other Pacific Rim destinations. For more information, please visit www.usibelli.com.
Randy Killian, UCM’s most senior employee, celebrated his 45th anniversary with Usibelli Coal Mine on April 18. With that anniversary he also celebrates 45 years without a Lost Time Accident at the coal mine—a remarkable achievement!
BO NU IEL DO IUNNGC AE LAATS AK AT I M E CONAM’s track record of succesful projects has proven that resource development can be done responsibly while protecting Alaska’s fragile environment. Our firm understanding of Alaska’s unique challenges and commitment to HSSE and planning have translated into satisfied mining clients across the state. We get dirty so you get the pay dirt.
OIL & GAS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES | MINING CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE | POWERPLANT CONSTRUCTION | PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION | REMOTE VILLAGE INFRASTRUCTURE | TELECOMMUNICATIONS | DESIGN BUILD & EPC | GENERAL CONTRACTING & MANAGEMENT | PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT & STAFFING
Commitment to Safety & Quality | Anchorage | Kenai | Deadhorse | www.conamco.com | 907-278-6600
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I May 2019
11
Governor Dunleavy meets with AMA Fairbanks branch
Governor Mike Dunleavy and AMA branch chairman Anna Atchison.
Governor Dunleavy recent met with AMA’s Fairbanks branch to talk about Alaska’s fiscal challenges. He thanked the industry for generating more revenue in and for the state, and offered encouragement that the environment for mining will continue to improve here. He also took time to chat with local students attending the meeting.
YOUR MINING PARTNER
Industry-Leading Customer Service 24/7/365 Parts Ordering Broadest Product Line
Anchorage 907.786.7500 Fairbanks 907.452.7251
Dutch Harbor 907.581.1367 Juneau 907.789.0181
Prudhoe Bay 907.659.9600 Wasilla 907.352.3400
12
May 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
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
Roughstock Mining Services Steve Cutler-General Manager 4671 Shandalyn Lane Bozeman, Montana 59718 406-580-7016 www.roughstockmining.com
Photos courtesy Kinross Fort Knox
• ACZ Laboratories, Inc. • Alaska Airlines/Alaska Air Cargo • Alaska Business • Alaska Dreams, Inc. • Alaska Earth Sciences • Alaska Horn & Antler • Alaska Industrial Hardware, Inc. • Alaska Satellite Internet
• ISCO • JH Fletcher & Co. • Lynden • Montgomery & Associates • Northern Star Resources Limited • NRC Alaska • Orica USA Inc • Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp • Pathfinder Aviation, LLC • Pro-Seal Service Group • Rain for Rent • Ruen Drilling Inc • Samson Tug & Barge Co., Inc. • SGS North America Inc. • Shoreside Petroleum Inc. • SLR International Corporation
• BME USA Inc. • Boart Longyear • Builders Choice Inc. • Crowley Fuels • Cummins Inc. • Delta Mining Services • Energy Laboratories Inc. • Fibergrate Composite Structures, Inc. • Fireweed Strategies LLC • GF Urecon • Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining • Golder Associates Inc. • Imdex Limited • Industrial Pumps of Alaska • Frontier Supply • GES Rental LLC
TO OUR 2019 TRADE SHOW VENDORS
• Soloy Helicopters, LLC • Sophie Station Suites • State of Alaska
Department of Natural Resources
(Global Equipment Services Inc.)
• TrailerCraft, Inc. • TTT Environmental, LLC • UMV, Express DMV Solutions • USDA Forest Service • Weir Minerals North America • Zonge International Inc.
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I May 2019
13
Thanks to our 2019 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. AECOM Ahtna Inc. AIDEA Alaska Aggregate Products LLC Alaska Airlines Alaska Business
Redpath Mining Remote Made Easy (PSSA) Remote Site Services Inc. Resource Development Council RISQ Consulting Riversgold Ltd. Rotak Helicopter Services Royal Gold Inc. Ruen Drilling Inc. Ryan Air Inc.
HDR Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company Holland America Line - Princess Cruises Hyak Mining Company Hy-Tech Drilling USA Ltd. IBEW Local 1547 Idaho Mining Association Imdex Limited Industrial Pumps of Alaska Institute of Northern Engineering International Directional Services Ipop LLC ISCO Juneau Economic Development Council Kinross - Fort Knox Knight Piesold & Company Lignite Energy Council Lynden Madison Lumber & Hardware Inc. Mascott Equipment Company Metco, Inc. MFCP/Jackovich Millrock Resources Inc. Montana Mining Association Motion Industries, Inc. N C Machinery Company NANA Regional Corporation National Mining Association Nevada Mining Association New Mexico Mining Association North Star Terminal & Stevedore Co. LLC Northern Air Cargo Northern Industrial Training Northern Industrial Training, LLC Northern Star (Pogo) LLC Northrim Bank Northwest Mine Supply NovaGold Resources Inc. NRC Alaska LLC NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines Orica USA Inc. Oxford Assaying & Refining Pathfinder Aviation, LLC Pebble Limited Partnership Perkins Coie LLP Petro Marine Services Petro Star/Sourdough Fuel PND Engineers Inc. PolarX Limited Property Rights Foundation of America, Inc. Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Quality Auto Parts
Chugach Alaska Corporation City of Ketchikan Coastal Helicopters Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine Colaska Colorado Mining Association CONAM Construction Company ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. Construction Equipment Co. - CEC Construction Machinery Industrial LLC Consumer Energy Alliance Cook Inlet Region Inc. (CIRI) Craig Taylor Equipment Company Crowley Fuels LLC Cummins Sales & Service Davies Public Affairs Delta Industrial Services Inc. Delta Western Petroleum Inc. (Haines) Delta Western Petroleum Inc. (Juneau) Denali Industrial Supply Inc. Donlin Gold LLC Dorsey & Whitney LLP DOWL Doyon, Limited Earth Movers of Fairbanks Inc. Eastern Oregon Mining Association Ecological Land Services Inc. Egli Air Haul Inc. Energy Laboratories Inc. Epiroc Equipment Source, Inc. ERM Alaska ESS Support Services Everts Air Cargo Exxon Mobil F.R. Bell & Associates, Inc. Fairweather LLC First Bank First National Bank Alaska Foss Maritime Company, LLC Frontier Supply Company GCI Business General Refining Corporation Geotemps Inc. Global Equipment Services Gold Buyers of Alaska -dba:GBA Assaying & Refining Granite Construction Company Grant Lake Corporation Graymont Great Northwest Inc. Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce
Alaska Coastal Aggregates LLC Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agricultural Bank Alaska Forest Association Alaska Frontier Constructors Inc. Alaska Gold Company, LLC Alaska Industrial Hardware Alaska Policy Forum Alaska Power & Telephone Company Alaska Pump & Supply Inc. - A DXP Company Alaska Railroad Corporation Alaska Resource Education Alaska Rock Products Association Alaska Roteq Alaska State Chamber of Commerce Alaska Trucking Association American Exploration & Mining Association American Land Rights Association Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Anchorage Sand & Gravel Inc. Arizona Mining Association Aspen Hotels of Alaska Assoc For Mineral Exploration BC Associated General Contractors of Alaska Aurora Geosciences (Alaska) Ltd. Automatic Welding & Supply Avidian Gold Inc. AVTEC - Alaska Vocational Technical Center Bald Mountain Air Service Beacon Occupational Health and Bobcat of Juneau Boyer Towing Inc. Brenntag Pacific Brice Inc. Brilliant Media Strategies Alaska, Inc. Builders Choice C & R Pipe and Steel Inc. CalCIMA CAMSS Shelters Carlile Chamber of Mines of Eastern BC Safety Services, Inc. Big Ray’s Alaska Inc.
Samson Tug & Barge Sealaska Corporation SGS North America Inc. Shoreside Petroleum Inc. Siemens Industry, Inc.
Sitnasuak Native Corporation Skookum Development, Inc. Smithco Manufacturing Society For Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
Soloy Helicopters LLC Sophie Station Suites - Fountainhead Hotels Southeast Conference SRK Consulting Stantec Consulting Inc. Stoel Rives LLP Sundance Mining Group T & J Enterprises Inc.
Taiga Mining Company Inc. Teck Alaska Inc. - Red Dog Temsco Helicopters Inc. TerraSond Ltd The Alaska Support Industry Alliance The Silver Institute TOTE Maritime Alaska Inc. Tower Hill Mines Inc. - Livengood Project Trilogy Metals, Inc. Tyler Rental Inc. Ucore Rare Metals Inc. University Redi-Mix Usibelli Coal Mine Inc. Utah Mining Association Visit Anchorage Wells Fargo Bank Alaska 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.
14
May 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Contract & Charter Service with 35 years of experience in Mineral Exploration, Seismic, Construction, Survey and Precision Long Line Work Phone: 907.376.1161
3800 W. Aviation Ave Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Bell 205 A1++ BK117B2 AS350B3 AS350B2 AS350BA Hughes 500
www.soloyhelicopters.com
Anchorage 1510 E 68th Ave. 907.563.1610
Fairbanks 4000 S. Cushman 907.452.4000
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I May 2019
15
New and Renewing Members
Thank you to all the AMA corporate and individual members who joined or renewed their membership to the association in February. You make AMA possible!
Brian R Elliot Robert Emmons Nick Ferree Jeff Foley Darwin Green Daniel Grunwald Ken Hall Wayne Hall Kent Halvorsen Ralph D Hamm Heidi Hansen Chuck Heath Susan Hoshaw John Howe
Jerry Pilgrim Ben Porterfield Bill Potter Debra Reinwand Ron Rimelman Arlan Ruen Byron Ruen Rochelle Ruen Paul Sayer Patrick Seidl Dominic Shallies Jessica Short
Operator Ben LaRue
James McIntosh Professional
Brian Dow Tim Dudley
Doug Isaacson Grace Petersen Michael & Sarah Satre
Scott Selzer Individual
Kim Aasand CPA Howard J Adams Michael Barrera Mike & Elaine Bell Bill Bennett Frank Bergstrom Brian Berkhahn Russ Blood Blake Bogart Matthew Boron Joe Bovee Lena Brommeland Chip Brown David Butherus Brian Butterworth Jonathan Carpenter Mike Catsi Donald Cervin
Mark Smith Todd Smith Andrew Spokely Lee & Melinda St Pierre William Staley Mary P Stech Donald Stein Scott Stewart Gary Swoffer Douglas & Vicki Tweet Bill Vivlamore Dale Wade Janice Walker Robert & Renae Wall Walter D Wells Dennis M Wilfer Karen Wilken Richard Williams James & Dorothy Wilson Susan Wilson Leslie Yesnik Birch & Melanie Yuknis Ryan Zins
William Johnson Wade Johnston K C Jones Cheryl Jong Don Keill Janet Klatt Ray & Lee Ann Kreig Greg Lang Alan Lebedoff Richard J Lenz PHD Sara Lindberg K Wayne & Yoli Caro Livingstone Todd MacManus
Ryan McKee Mac Meiners Lance Miller Nick Morgan Graham Neale Doug Nicholson Steven Nye David Ottewell Randy Painter
Gary Coulter Michelle Deal David Deisley Art Driscoll Jim Duffield John Egan
Not yet a member of the Alaska Miners Association? Or have not yet renewed your membership for 2019? Renew today so you don’t miss a single issue of The Alaska Miner or this year’s 2019 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.
16
May 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Consulting Economic Geologist Donald L. Stevens Ph. D., CPG President
Arctic Trace ® Submersible Heat Trace Freeze Protection System "Inside the Pipe or Vessel" www.arctictrace.com (907) 522-3004 A pplications: Monitoring Wells Commercial Water Line Deep Well Tracing Gutter & Drain Waste & Vent Septic Tank & Sewer Outfall
Stevens Exploration Management Corp.
1401 Oxford Dr. Anchorage, AK 99503
Email: donstevens@stevexp.com Phone: 907.561.1991 Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Project Management Placer, Lode, Recon, Petrography, NI 43-101 Report Writing FIND MORE INFORMATION AT: WWW.STEVEXP.COM
Legal Counsel - AK
J.P. Tangen Attorney at Law (P.C.) P.O. Box 297 Hansville, WA 98340
Alaska Land Status, Inc. Due Diligence Mineral Tile Examination • Land Status Research Land and Claim Management Expertise • In Business Since 1988
David S. Manzer, Landman
dmanzer@aklandstatus.com 5381 Tudor Top Circle Anchorage, AK 99507-1631
(907) 222-3985 • Toll Free (877) 414-3985 jpt@jptangen.com • www.jptangen.com
Tel: (907) 563-8882
Stantec provides a full line of environmental and mining engineering services to Alaska projects through our a mining team of over 600 people strong from across North America.
We thrive on challenges
Design with community in mind Fairbanks: 907-452-2128 Anchorage: 907-343-5250
golder.com
stantec.com
Rainer Trucking Inc. P.O. Box 72905 Fairbanks, AK 99707 EMAIL rainertruckinginc@yahoo.com PHONE (907) 457-2000 FAX (907) 455-4614
2 to 14 Axle Combinations Licensed & Bonded Lowboys
1972 - 201 9 4 7 Years of Excellence
Flats Vans
• Wireline Coring NQ3 to PQ3 • Wireline CPT & Vane Testing • In-Situ Testing & Instruments • Heli-Portable Drilling Systems • Wide Range of Equipment • Highly Experienced Staff • Sonic Capability
• Geotechnical Site Investigations • Offshore Drilling Specialists • Gravel, Placer Exploration • Large Diameter Bulk Sampling • Grouting, Anchoring & Piling • 3" to 24" Water Wells • Ground Improvement
Rainer Equipment Inc. 2552 Steese Hwy. Fairbanks, AK 99712 PHONE (907) 457-8109 FAX (907) 457-2014
Mining Salvage and Reclamation
Anchorage, AK | 907-522-8263 | E: Hgrey@Foundex.com www.foundex.com Surrey BC Canada | 604-594-8333
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I May 2019
17
Alaska Mining Calendar
Alaska Earth Sciences Comprehensive Geologic Services
May 29 Office of Surface Mining Coal Reclamation Awards Nominations for the 2019 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards deadline. More information at www.osmre.gov/programs/awards/ActiveMineAwards.shtm June 12 Alaska Resource Education’s Coal Classic Golf Tournament June 22-23 Gold Rush Days • Juneau July 28 Southeast Alaska State Fair - Haines August 2 Mining Day at Tanana Valley State Fair - Fairbanks August 31 Mining Day at the Alaska State Fair • Palmer November 3-9
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.
Alaska Earth Sciences Comprehensive Geologic Services
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.
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.
2019 Annual Convention and Trade Show Dena’ina Center/Marriott Hotel, Anchorage AMA Branch Meetings
11401 Olive Lane, Anchorage, Alaska p 907-522-4664 www.alaskaearthsciences.com
Coastal Helicopters Juneau, Alaska
www.coastalhelicopters.com
Anchorage Every Friday 7 a.m. Peanut Farm old side Fairbanks October–May, Every Friday 7 a.m. Westmark Hotel Haines Every Friday 7 a.m. Bamboo Room
Juneau September–May, Every Friday 7 a.m. Prospector Hotel Kenai October–April, Every Friday 7 a.m. Louie’s Restaurant Nome First Friday of each month 12 Noon Polar Cafe
Available statewide
Construction Exploration Contract
Support Charter operations@coastalhelicopters.com 907-789-5600
18
May 2019 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
PROUDLY PROVIDING ALASKA with underground, surface and helicopter supported core drilling for mineral exploration and geotechnical work.
800-322-3201 • office@ruendrilling.com ruendrilling.com
When it comes to Donlin Gold, we agree with our neighbors in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. That the project should be developed not only safely and responsibly, but also in a way that provides tangible benefits to everyone – both now and well into the future. And we’re working together to do just that.
1.866.669.6227 | novagold.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease