lieve every part of the path I have taken to where I am now has shaped me into the per- son I am. I hope that I never stop learning and growing. I started my career in securi- ty, moved into the nonprofit field and am now in natural resources. Having that range of experience woven through diverse industries gave me opportunities and insight to connect with my community in ways that I couldn’t have predicted, and I am grateful for. What was one experience you will never forget? There are many! I’ll share two of my favorite experi- ences in Alaska. The first was hiking the Crow Pass Trail, starting from the Girdwood side over to Eagle River. I hiked it with friends over two days and it was amazing. The scenery here in Alaska is like nowhere else on earth. The second was skydiving over Matanuska-Susitna Valley. You just can’t beat those views! What do you love most about this business? The mining industry is diverse and is always evolving. The objective is to see what potential is out there — what is possible? The world has always needed mining, and there must a balance between processing minerals and being responsible stewards of the environment, which the mining industry as a whole is embracing. There is also a level of camaraderie that I have not often seen in oth- er industries. And the innovations and technological ad- vances that have come about and are being implemented for mining are a reflection of the diligence and integrity of the process of exploring, developing and producing the mineral resources that are such an integral part of Alas- ka’s economy. Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? I feel that will depend on a lot of factors, but here is what I hope: That Alaska will be recognized and appreci- ated for the abundant resources we have and there would be acknowledgment of our ability to responsibly mine here. Alaska is rich in potential and there is so much that we have to offer that would benefit our country. What do you see as our biggest challenges? And opportuni- ties? I feel the biggest challenges are the misconceptions that are out there and assumptions that are made, both for mining in general and specifically mining in Alaska. Our biggest opportunities would be expanding our communication with our communities, government and In each issue of The Alaska Miner, we interview an outstanding leader in and member of our industry. This time we are talking with Alycia Thomas, Program Im- plementation & Marketing Manager, Camp Services for NMS. Faces of Mining
Who was your mentor in this industry and what did they teach you that remains true today? I work for NMS, so my experience had been specific to Red Dog Mine, as our company has a partnership with Teck for camp services there. The NMS Vice President of Camp Services, Jason Carlson, has been my mentor in this industry. He encouraged me to take a closer look at how vital mining is for not just the state of Alaska, but globally. We have amazing resources here in Alaska and there are many benefits for multiple industries when we can help grow and support the mining industry. We should always be looking to the future — it’s part of our state motto, right? — and mining is so pivotal in not only the history of Alaska, but what is still to come. What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? Find your own mentors. There is such a wealth of knowledge in those who work in mining here in Alaska, and my experience has been that those who have been in the industry awhile are passionate about the next genera- tion coming into this industry and taking on the new chal- lenges that arise to make things better and better. It really is a community that wants the collective to thrive. And don’t be afraid to speak up—initiative is a good thing and the chance to give and receive feedback is another chance to learn. Alycia Thomas Program Implementation & Marketing Manager, Camp Services for NMS
What would you do differently? I honestly can’t say what I would do differently. I be -
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Alycia hiking Crow Pass.
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The Alaska Miner
Spring 2022
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