Alaska Miner Magazine, Spring 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Executive

Director’s Report 4 Letter from Our President 8 Legislature 2021: Same Song 16 Faces of Mining: Rich Sivils 20 Remembering Gail Phillips 22 UCore Setting New Model for Mines 32 2021 Mining Economic Impact 36 Donlin Plans Busy Season 42 Events Back for 2021 44 Mining Business and Service Directory

The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska

ON THE COVER: Spring 2021 has been blessed with incredible aurora displays statewide. Kenneth Spann, Warehouse Tech at Pogo Mine, captured this stunning aurora display near the mine’s airstrip recently. THIS PAGE: Courtney Talerico is a third-generation coal miner. Courtney has worked for Usibelli Coal Mine for eight years and currently is a Tipple Operator. Courtney’s father, Mike, and her brothers, Andrew and Jonathan, also work at the mine. Photo courtesy Usibelli Coal Mine

The Alaska Miner is dedicated to those who work in and support the mining industry in Alaska, its commitment to the people, and resources of our state. Our magazine is published quarterly and delivered to both the members of the Alaska Miners Association and to key decision makers and leaders in Alaska and beyond. Our goal is to educate, advocate and lead our industry as one of the strongest, oldest and most productive corporate citizens in Alaska. AMA’s mission is to promote responsible mineral development in Alaska.

EDITORIAL CALENDAR

ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION STAFF

July 2021 People in Mining October 2021 Annual Anchorage Convention January 2022 Legislative and Season Preview April 2022 Project Updates

Executive Director

Deantha Skibinski Jennifer Luiten Darlene Strickland

Membership and Fundraising Director

Bookkeeping and Membership

EXECUTIVE BOARD

BRANCH CHAIRMEN

Bill Jeffress President, SRK Consulting, Anchorage Bartly Kleven First Vice President, Kinross–Fort Knox, Fairbanks Lorali Simon Second Vice President, Usibelli Coal Mine, Healy Kim Aasand Treasurer, Aasand & Glore LLC., Anchorage

Ted Hawley Anchorage Lorali Simon Denali Mark Huffington Fairbanks Liz Cornejo Haines Jim Clark Juneau

Houston Morris Kenai Blake Bogart Nome Andrew Spokely Ketchikan/

Prince of Wales

The Alaska Miner 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. For advertising information or news tips, call or email publisher Lee Leschper at 907-957-6025 or Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com.

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April 2021

The Alaska Miner

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