Our flexibility and dedication have enabled us to become a top provider for the heavy civil construction and resource development industries. MOVING THE EARTH
FACES, CONTINUED from PAGE 16
Despite the challenges, the future remains positive for Alaska mining, he said. “The fact remains that Alaska is still a storehouse of natural resources. You have to look out 50 or 60 years. We are entering a time with more gov- ernment restrictions. It’s such a polit- ical issue, but the fact remains that car and heavy equipment manufacturing is down, waiting for the production of electric switches to catch up,” Geron- dale said. This climate makes support for the industry more important, he said. “It’s easy to be concerned. It is a timing issue. Our company and oth- ers involved in mining have to be here and support mining. You can’t be a carpetbagger!” Taking the long-term view as well as focusing on Alaska’s strengths, in- cluding the strong collaboration of AMA members is critical, he said. “First of all, I am optimistic about the future. Not so much about the State of Alaska DOT type of work, with our budget issues. But I am optimis- tic about mining and about continuing operations in the oil industry.” CMI has been a strong advocate and investor in mining and engineering education in Alaska, as an investment in Alaska’s future. “At the convention, CMI has always been a strong supporter of mining ed- ucation. When we can travel again to the mining convention, CMI will al- ways support students in geology and mining at UAF, paying for their travel and hotel rooms for the convention,” Gerondale said. “These kids who go to mining school in Fairbanks will stay in Alaska and stay in the industry. We have to do a better job at the grassroots lev- el helping these kids in college and in local school districts. That is a cost of doing business. We have to get more of the general business community in Alaska to understand what mining does for us.” The economic ripple ef- fect is key, too. “When an Alaska mine has work done, they contract, buy and spend money in Alaska. “We need the business community in Alaska to understand mining and understand the ripple effect.”
• Mine Development and Infrastructure • Earth Moving • Liner Installation and Welding • Roads, Dams and Bridge Construction
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WE PROMISED ALASKANS WE WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE LAND. After mining was completed at True North mine near Fairbanks, Kinross spent six years remediating the 149-acre worksite. Then we monitored the area for several more years to ensure long-term stability. Today, where men and women once went to work, you can play with your family, walk, bike and hike, including five miles of pre-existing trails that have been re-established. At Kinross Fort Knox, we honor our commitments.
Committed to Alaska
Since 1996
19
Summer 2021
The Alaska Miner
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