Profiles in Mining: Bonnie Broman, GeoMetallica
'See the opportunities'
SPECIAL TO THE ALASKA MINER In a few words tell us about your work and role in Alaska min- ing. I am a Vice President of Exploration and am responsible for planning and managing geologic exploration programs. Who was your mentor in this industry and what did they teach you that remains true today? I would have to say my mentor is the very first person I met here in Alaska — Stephanie Mrozek. She was my super - visor for my first job at the Nixon Fork Mine. I was imme - diately impressed by her enthusiasm and knowledge base. As a young geo, I looked up to her skills as a geologist but also as a manager. I learned many things from her but one thing I learned that holds true to today is that is it critical to truly understand an ore body from a technical perspective before you can start to think about development plans. While there is a fine line between spending too much time and not spending enough time understanding the geologic details, Stephanie showed me a way to achieve a good balance. She also taught me to work with the resources you have available, to continually grow your knowledge base and most impor - tantly to always ask questions and challenge the status quo. What lessons have you learned that you’d like to share with new miners? Do the best you can with the knowledge that you have and work hard — hard work will be recognized. When you do not have enough information, don’t be afraid to ask questions. What was one experience you will never forget? The first time I went underground! I love working un - derground and found it exhilarating from the first moment I stepped foot there — it is such an eye-opening experience to see things in 3D — it really gives you a great perspective of geologic processes. What do you love most about this business? I love the close-knit community. It doesn’t matter where you go in the world — everyone will be able to relate to one aspect or another. Whether it’s the geology or engineering or the logistical challenges of our business, it’s an industry where we all speak the same language. Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? I would hope that we see more mining in Alaska! We are blessed to be in a State with enormous mineral potential and if we continue to develop our resources in a responsible man - ner we could be as self-sustainable as any country such as Norway or Iceland. I don’t think people understand how truly unique Alaska is from a geologic perspective. I’m excited for the future generation of miners in Alaska! What do you see as our biggest challenges? And opportunities? Our biggest challenges are public perception and permitting risk for developing new projects in Alaska. Alaska and the Unit -
Photos Courtesy Bonnie Broman
ed States are favorable from a jurisdictional perspective, but as permitting challenges continue to delay or shut down projects, Alaska becomes less favorable for investors. As we move toward a greener economy, our reliance on fossil fuels will be reduced which means the Alaskan economy will not benefit as greatly. But this is our greatest opportunity as well! As I mentioned in the last question, Alaska is very unique from a geologic per - spective, and we have the opportunity to develop several world class mineral deposits in the near future with plenty of other exciting opportunities. If we can get momentum in exploring, developing, and permitting projects in a reasonable timeframe, the Alaskan economy will become a booming economic engine! What keeps you awake at night? Permitting and the powers that be that try to stop projects from moving forward. And sometimes mosquitos! What attracted you to join the Alaska Miners Association? And what does AMA mean to you? From my first moment working in Alaska, I was again impressed with the close-knit community here and I wanted to be part of that! AMA was a great avenue for me to meet
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The Alaska Miner
Summer 2022
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