career, AMA, and the future of mining: “I remember my first AMA Fair - banks Branch Friday morning breakfast meeting. It was the second week after I started at Fort Knox when Delbert made the invitation to attend and in Delbert’s way, ‘You are coming to AMA breakfast tomorrow morning aren’t you?’ We were meeting at the Regency back then, and I showed up at 6:30. Delbert wasn’t there yet so I seated myself at an empty table as there weren’t many folks there yet and definitely no one that I knew. The first person to sit at the table and right next to me was Roger Burggraf. Roger immediately initiated our introduc- tions to one another, continued with conversation and in no time, he made me feel completely welcome at the meeting. Between Delbert and Roger, AMA became an organization I wanted to be a part of.” We asked him then what lessons he would want to share with new miners: “As I’ve learned through the years, soak up your experiences with peers and supervisors. Whether you know it or not, these experiences will influence decision making process (good or bad) and learn from your mistakes as we all make them. I’ve also learned that issues may look like an unclimbable mountain; however, if you tackle an issue one step at a time, they become small hills and ultimately a mountain of several is- sues is conquered. Keep moving for- ward and embrace challenges.” We asked him to predict the future of mining in Alaska in 50 years: I don’t want to speculate on how strong mining will be in Alaska by 2068, but I do hope Alaska will lead the nation in mineral production by this time. I do believe mining will continue to play an important role in the development of Alaska’s natural resources as Alaska ranks in the top 10 in the world for coal, gold, zinc, sil- ver, and copper. I see strategic metals mining in Alaska becoming a signif- icant player in world production. At some point, the United States will be mining and using its own strategic metals instead of importing them. ‘We as an industry need to be more diligent to the critics of mining and how the impacts of those who speak of and demonstrate “BANANA” [Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything (or “Anyone”)]. “We need to better develop mes- sages for the society that we are all members of. One that we all benefit from the production of raw materials that are found in all products that are
manufactured for society’s use. This includes petroleum products, electron- ics, construction and farm equipment, transportation modes, clothing, food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and supplies, and so on. “We all depend upon the various in- dustries for the lives we live.” “We wish Mark the best in retirement and thank him for his tireless contribu- tions to making AMA an even better or-
ganization, his candid photographs, and for already joining AMA as an individual member,” said AMA Statewide President Bill Jeffress. “I’m glad that he has joined a number of former Alaskans having re- located to Colorado that are still working as AMA members to promote mining in Alaska. Let’s stay in touch!”
— Cassandra Fetters and Lee Leschper contributed to this story
CIRI invites you to explore our land!
Much of CIRI’s 1.6 million acres of mineral estate was selected for its resource development potential. Contact us if you’re interested in mineral, gravel, oil and gas, or timber opportunities.
(907) 263-5197 resources@ciri.com
23
Summer 2021
The Alaska Miner
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