THE ALASKA MINER JOURNAL: The publication is member-only news mailed to AMA members, eight times a year, in months when the Magazine is not published. The Alaska Miner Journal is dedicated to those who work in and support the mining industry in Alaska, its commitment to the people, and the resources of our state. Our goal is to disseminate information on responsible mineral development, educating the public about the value of mining, providing information for our membership and the general public, and providing policymakers the information they need to understand the mining industry and monitor political and regulatory processes affecting mining in Alaska.
VOLUME 54 / NUMBER 6
JUNE 2026
AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION BY THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
Women's Mining Coalition Brings Message to D.C.
AMA Members Share Vision With Interior Secretary
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Mat-Su Miners Carry on Tradition PAGE 12
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A Message From The Executive Director
Dear AMA members, friends and mining family: As we move into Alaska's busy summer mining season, I am reminded once again why our industry remains one of the state's greatest strengths. Summer is when Alaska mining truly comes alive. Exploration programs launch across the state, field crews mobilize to remote projects, mines oper- ate at full capacity and thousands of Alaskans head into the field to do the work that helps power our economy and provide the minerals our nation needs. This month's Journal reflects that energy and momentum. In May, AMA had the opportunity to participate in the Women's Mining Coalition Fly-In in Washington, D.C., where we joined mining profes- sionals from across the country to share the importance of respon- sible mineral development. We also had the privilege of meeting with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and members of the National Energy Dominance Council in Alaska, providing a valuable opportunity to discuss our unique challenges and opportunities, and the critical role our state plays in supplying the minerals needed for America's future. Closer to home, we continue to see encouraging signs for Alaska mining. Northern Star's Pogo Mine announced substantial growth in mineral resources and reserves, demonstrating the long-term poten- tial of Alaska's mineral districts and the value of continued investment in exploration. At Greens Creek, another outstanding quarter reinforces the operation's status as one of the world's premier silver mines and a cornerstone of Southeast Alaska's economy. This issue also celebrates the people and communities that make our industry special. From the Women’s Mining Coalition members repre- senting Alaska on a national stage, to our Fairbanks Branch's summer kickoff barbecue, to the rich history connecting Alaska's mining communities and the Mat-Su Miners baseball tradition, these stories remind us that mining is about much more than the resources we produce. It is about people, families, communities and opportunities. As activity increases across Alaska this summer, I encourage everyone to keep safety at the forefront of every task and every shift. Whether you are working at an operating mine, managing an exploration camp, flying supplies into the field, drilling a new target or supporting oper- ations from an office, your commitment to safety protects not only yourself but your coworkers, your family and your community. The summer months are often our busiest and most productive, but they also bring unique challenges. Long days, demanding schedules, remote locations and changing weather conditions require us to remain vigilant and focused. Take the time to conduct thorough safety meetings, speak up when you see potential hazards and ensure every member of your team returns home safely at the end of the day. On behalf of the Alaska Miners Association, thank you for everything you do to support Alaska's mining industry. Your dedication, profes- sionalism and hard work continue to demonstrate why Alaska remains one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions. I wish each of you a safe, productive and successful summer season!
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This is the official journal of the Alaska Miners Association, published eight times a year exclusively to our members. It 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. Please email
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Thank you to Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan for taking the time to meet with the Women’s Mining Coalition in D.C.! Deantha and Carin were joined by Lorna Shaw, Rachel Shaw, Emily Hart and Casey McCormick. Women's Mining Coalition gathers in D.C. to share importance of our industry
A MA's Deantha Skibinski and Carin Currier traveled to Washington, D.C. in May for the Women’s Mining Coalition Fly-in. The annual event allows Coalition members to facilitate connections with legislators, agencies and other professionals in D.C., discussing current mining issues and policies. Thank you to the Coalition for inviting Deantha to participate in the Western States Panel Discussion and for helping AMA highlight our thriving Alaska mining industry in Washington. The Coalition continues to be rock stars of the mining industry!
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Alaska miners meet with Interior Secretary to discuss responsible mineral development
A MA members met with Depart- ment of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and members of the National Energy Dominance Council in May for a roundtable discussion on feder- al mining challenges and opportunities. The event provided an extraordinary opportunity for members to share their stories of success as well as new oppor- tunities and challenges for Alaska miners. Thank you to Secretary Burgum and council members for the productive conversation on the future of responsible domestic mineral development.
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Burgum tours Usibelli Coal Mine, gets firsthand look at success in Alaska
I nterior Secretary Doug Burgum also traveled to meet with Usibelli Coal Mine officials and to tour the mine's Healy operation firsthand. Burgum's Office later posted on social media: "Spent time yesterday at a fam- ily-run Beautiful Clean Coal mine that has supported local jobs for decades while delivering reliable, affordable, secure energy to the community. "These hardworking Americans are the backbone of President Donald J. Trump’s American Energy Dominance Agenda."
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Alaska Baseball League, Mat-Su Miners carry on summer tradition on diamond BY LEE LESCHPER
T here are many sounds of summer in Alaska. Eagle cries. Salmon splashing into a net. Friends laughing around a campfire. And the crack of a baseball, leaving the bat to soar through brilliant blue Arctic sky against a skyline of mountains. Almost as long as there has been mining in Alaska, there’s been baseball. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the first known game was on Hershel Island, on the Arctic Ocean, where icebound whalers spread ashes on sea ice to form a baseball diamond — where they played at 40-below to pass the time. Seven clubs were organized and formed into a league called the “Arctic Whalemen’s Pennant.” Games continued all winter until the ships left for summer whaling in July. Early gold mining camps often would break the monotony of brutal, hard work with a pickup game. Especially on the summer holidays like July 4, there
would be pickup games in many gold camps. In Anchorage, renowned artist Sydney Lawrence photo- graphed a baseball game on July 4, 1915, the railroad town's founding. More than 100 spectators lined up from first base to third. Behind the perfect diamond and the spacious outfield stood a tent city, and beyond that, the seemly impenetrable Alaska wilderness. Fast forward through another century, and baseball still has a sacred spot during Alaska’s amazing sum- mers, specifically the Alaska Baseball League. For 50 years, the Mat-Su Miners have represented far more than summer baseball in Alaska. Since their found- ing in 1976, the Miners have become a symbol of com- munity pride, perseverance and athletic excellence in the Mat-Su Valley, and throughout the state. What began as a small collegiate summer team has grown into one of the most respected programs in the historic ABL. Originally known as the Valley Green Giants, the fran- chise joined the ABL during a period when baseball in Alaska was expanding rapidly. In 1980, the team adopt- ed the Mat-Su Miners name, embracing the identity and hardworking spirit of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. During the past five decades, the Miners have built a championship tradition. The club has captured multiple league titles and twice won the prestigious National Baseball Congress World Series, in 1987 and 1997. Those victories placed the Miners on the nation- al stage and proved that a team from Alaska could compete with the best collegiate summer programs in the country.
Alaska Baseball League alumni include numerous future MLB superstars such as pitcher Randy Johnson and sluggers Mark McGwire and Aaron Judge.
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institutions — a team that continues to inspire young athletes and unite communities under the endless summer daylight of the Last Frontier. For the full Miners schedule, visit MatsuMiners.org. Another monumental milestone that will be marked this summer on baseball diamonds in Alaska is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. America250-Alas- ka has invited Alaskans to com- memorate the 250th birthday of the U.S. during a “Week of Dreams.” Mul- tiple events are planned with a focus on celebrating Alaska’s historic place in The National Pastime around the anniversary of Independence Day. The Week of Dreams schedule is available at america250.alaska.gov/ event/alaskas-week-of-dreams Read more about Alaska baseball history at dnr.alaska.gov/parks/oha
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
Sims and Texan Jackson Babcock from the Colorado School of Mines. The Miners have become woven into the culture of the Mat-Su Valley. Summer evenings at Hermon Brothers Field bring together families, young ath- letes, longtime fans and visitors from across Alaska. Generations of residents have grown up attending Miners games, chasing foul balls and dreaming of one day playing on that same field. The organization’s youth clinics and com- munity outreach have strengthened baseball at every level in the region. As the Mat-Su Miners celebrate their 50th anniversary, the organization stands as a testament to dedication, tradition and community support. Thousands of players, coaches, vol- unteers and fans have contributed to the team’s remarkable legacy. Fifty years after the first pitch, the Miners remain one of Alaska’s proudest sports
The Miners’ success has also been measured by the talent that has passed through Palmer on the way to professional baseball. Numerous future Major League Baseball play- ers have worn the green and gold, including Craig Counsell, Jeff Brantley, Garrett Richards, Nick Senzel and Eli Morgan. The Alaska Baseball League itself has long been known as a proving ground for elite players, with legends such as Randy Johnson, Mark McGwire and Aaron Judge spending summers in Alaska honing their skills under the midnight sun. The connection with mining remains — in 2025 two members of the MatSu Miners roster — Evan Bilter and Fischer Sims — were students at the Colorado School of Mines, pursuing the twin dreams of baseball and mining. The 2026 roster includes Alaska native
Fischer Sims of Eagle River attends the Colorado School of Mines. 2026 is his second summer with the Miners. He and other players are hosted by local families, including some AMA members.
The Miners are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.
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Pogo continues growth trajectory with major resource expansion
underground development, supporting a longer mine life and broader production opportunities. Ore Reserves also moved higher during the year, increasing to 10.96 million tonnes grading 6.8 grams per tonne gold for 2.385 million ounces. The increase resulted largely from successful infill drilling that upgraded resource confidence and allowed additional ounces to be converted into mineable reserves. While reserve grades declined modestly, Northern Star attributed the change to lower cut-off grades rather than deterioration in the underlying mineral system. The updated reserve inventory provides a substan- tial foundation for continued underground mining and supports the operation's long-term production outlook. For Alaska's mining sector, the results further demon- strate the enduring strength of the Goodpaster district and the effectiveness of sustained exploration invest- ment at mature operations. Nearly 20 years after first production, Pogo continues to evolve from a single-mine operation into a growing mining district with multiple resource centers capable of supporting future expansion and value creation.
grams per tonne gold for 9.3 million ounces. Of that total, more than 4.1 million ounces are classified as indicated resources, providing a strong foundation for future reserve conversion. Beyond the main Pogo deposit, the company reported growing inventories within the broader district. The Goodpaster area now hosts approximately 1.5 million ounces of inferred resources, while the newly reported Star deposit contains approximately 372,000 ounces grading an impressive 11 grams per tonne gold. A notable feature of the 2026 update is the increase in resource tonnage at lower average grades. Northern Star said the higher-tonnage, lower-grade inventory enhances future development optionality and reflects a reduction in the resource cut-off grade from 4.1 grams per tonne to 3.4 grams per tonne, supported by stronger long-term gold price assumptions. The company's mineral resource estimate for Pogo is based on a gold price assumption of $2,600 per ounce, while ore reserves are calculated using a more conservative $1,900 per ounce gold price. Officials said the expanded resource inventory pro- vides greater flexibility for mine planning and future
COURTESY OF NORTHERN STAR RESOURCES
N orthern Star Resources has significantly strengthened the long-term outlook for its Pogo operation in Interior Alaska, reporting substantial increases in mineral resources and ore reserves that reinforce the mine's position as one of the company's key strategic assets. Northern Star's resource and reserve update released June 3 shows Pogo's mineral resources increasing by 3.1 million ounces to 9.3 million ounces of gold, while ore reserves grew by 300,000 ounces to 2.4 million ounces. The gains come after accounting for mining depletion and underscore the continuing success of exploration efforts across the operation. Located in Alaska's highly prospective Tintina Gold Province, Pogo has produced more than 5.5 million ounces of gold since entering production in 2006. The operation now contains an additional 9.3 million ounces in mineral resources, highlighting the district's
continued growth potential nearly two decades after startup. Northern Star identified Pogo as one of three cornerstone assets — alongside KCGM in Western Australia and the Hemi Project — that are central to the company's long-term growth strategy. Together, those assets account for approximately 65 million ounces, or 73%, of Northern Star's total resource inventory. According to the company, the resource increase was driven by infill drilling across several areas of the mine, particularly East Deeps and South Pogo, which improved confidence in mineralization and increased the proportion of Indicated Resources. Additional growth came from the inclusion of the maiden Star Mineral Resource, a new discovery that contributed approximately 300,000 ounces. The updated resource statement shows total Pogo mineral resources of 37.9 million tonnes grading 7.6
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Greens Creek delivers another standout quarter for Hecla Mining Company COURTESY OF HECLA MINING COMPANY
ounces, the operation remains on track to be a major contributor to Hecla's 2026 production goals. Beyond its production statistics, Greens Creek remains an important economic engine for Southeast Alaska. The mine supports hundreds of direct jobs, contracts with Alaska businesses and contributes taxes and royalties that benefit local communities and state gov- ernment. Its long operating history also demonstrates the value of continued exploration and investment in mature mining districts. For Hecla, Greens Creek remains the company's flagship asset. While the miner operates silver mines in Idaho and Canada's Yukon Territory, no other operation match- es Greens Creek's combination of production scale, operational consistency and low-cost performance. As silver demand continues to grow from industrial applications, renewable energy technologies and investment markets, the Alaska mine is positioned to remain one of North America's most strategically important silver producers. The first quarter of 2026 reinforced a reality long recog- nized throughout the mining industry: Greens Creek is more than just a mine. It is one of Alaska's most endur- ing resource assets and a key driver of Hecla's success.
among the lowest-cost silver operations globally. The improvement was driven by stronger production and significantly higher gold by-product credits resulting from elevated gold prices. The mine's financial contribution to Hecla was sub- stantial. Greens Creek generated more than $131 million in operating cash flow and approximately $126 million in free cash flow during the quarter, accounting for the majority of the company's mine-level free cash generation. Operationally, the mine continued to improve pro- ductivity underground. Hecla reported a record underground backfill placement of nearly 164,000 tons during the quarter, approximately 16% above the mine's 2025 quarterly average. Increased backfill capacity enhances mining flexibility and supports future pro- duction by allowing crews to access additional stopes more efficiently. The strong start to the year builds upon an already impressive 2025. Greens Creek produced approximate- ly 8.7 million ounces of silver last year, maintaining its status as one of North America's premier silver mines. With first-quarter production exceeding 2.1 million
F or decades, the Greens Creek Mine on Admiralty Island has been one of Alaska's mining success stories. In the first quarter of 2026, the operation again demonstrated why it remains the cornerstone of Hecla Mining's portfolio and one of the most profit- able silver mines in the world. As silver and gold prices strengthened during the opening months of the year, Greens Creek translated favorable market conditions into exceptional financial and operational results. The mine produced 2.18 million ounces of silver and nearly 13,000 ounces of gold during the quarter, helping drive record cash flow and free cash flow for Hecla. The operation also milled nearly 209,000 tons of ore during the quarter, slightly exceeding production levels from the same period a year earlier. Silver grades averaged 13 ounces per ton, up from 11.8 ounces per
ton during the first quarter of 2025, contributing to the strong production performance. What makes Greens Creek particularly valuable is not simply the volume of silver it produces, but its ability to generate that silver at remarkably low costs. The mine's unique polymetallic deposit contains significant quantities of gold, zinc and lead alongside silver. Revenue generated from those by-products effectively offsets mining and processing costs, allowing Greens Creek to remain profitable through commodity cycles and giving it a competitive advan- tage over many primary silver producers. That advantage was on full display in the first quarter. Greens Creek reported a silver cash cost of negative $11.94 per ounce and an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of negative $8.39 per ounce after by-product credits. Those figures represent dramatic improvements over the same quarter last year and place Greens Creek
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A urora was privileged to write her own story, in her own words, for her obituary. Aurora Sue Weythman (nee Lyman) was born in Soldotna, Alaska, on March 27, 1993, to Spencer and Carolyn Lyman. Spencer and Carolyn were mining at their home in Snow Gulch while pregnant with Aurora but stayed in Soldotna at the invitation of their good friend, Wild Bill Michel for her birth. Afterwards, they returned home to Snow Gulch, where Aurora spent her childhood. When Aurora was 5, her little sister and best friend, lcey, was born. Growing up at Snow Gulch with her mom, dad and sister was paradise. Her parents gave her the best childhood imaginable. In the summers, they mined and Aurora ran free in the mud and the tundra, playing with lcey and Misty May Agoff, their best friend. In the winter, they were homeschooled and sometimes went on long RV trips in the Lower 48, which gave Aurora her lifelong loves of learning and travel. Most importantly, her parents taught her about God. When she was 4, she decided to follow Jesus and accepted him into her heart. It was the most important decision of her life and shaped everything that came after. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Walla Walla University in 2015. Her first RN job was in Nome, Alaska. For the next three years, she made her home there. The friends she made in Nome constituted a second family, and both the land and the work con- sumed her in the best possible way. Then she met Thane Weythman, and he blew her mind. She'd never met another person with his integrity, love of God or outlook on life. She fell in love with him, and they married on July 23, 2020. He had three children — Raiden, Ernie and Reese, and they were amazing. They were also willing to let Aurora be their stepmom. Being their stepmom was the most wonderful, important and best thing that ever happened to Aurora. If nothing else in her life mattered, these things did — first, that she was a child of God, and secondly, that Raiden, Ernie and Reese were her children. Aurora moved to Aniak, Alaska, where she spent three wonderful years with her new family, and settled into her new life of homeschooling, running a household and helping Thane manage his existing businesses. In 2022, the family moved to Belt, Montana, to be closer to family and to give the children more opportunities Aurora Sue Weythman March 27, 1993 — March 30, 2026 IN MEMORIAM
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than could be found in the Bush. Belt proved to be a wonderful landing place for them all. Aurora worked part-time as a nurse in the behavioral health depart- ment of Benefis Hospital and enjoyed her work and lovely coworkers very much. The family got many new pets — ducks, dogs, goats, cats and cattle — that gave Aurora great joy. Unfortunately, Aurora was diagnosed with advanced cancer the same year they moved. Her husband and kids cared for her until the end, taking wonderful care of her, even when it was incredibly difficult. To Aurora's great joy, her parents moved next door and also gave her wonderful care through the last years of her life. Aurora knew throughout her life that God loved her and had a plan, and that conviction did not fade with illness. He held her in His hand, as He always had, and it was clear to her that every stage of illness brought with it lessons and further proofs that God was looking out for her. While she wishes her family could be spared the grief of her illness and passing, Aurora has no greater wish than to see God — a wish now fulfilled — and she is happy. She was preceded in death by her grandparents. Pater- nally, by Robert Fisk and Elizabeth Tuttle Lyman. Mater- nally, by Leonard Keith and Beverly Sue Kidd. She is survived by her husband of six years, Thane Allen Weythman; her children Raiden Jacob, Ernest Oliver, and Reese Collins; her parents, Spencer Williamson and Carolyn Sue Motherway Lyman; her sister and beloved brother-in-law, lcey Caralee and Charles James Miles; as well as many other cherished family and friends.
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JUNE 2026 | WWW.ALASKAMINERS.ORG
AMA Corporate Members
Cyclone Services Cyr Drilling USA Inc.
JCM Industries Juneau Economic Development Council Kiewit Mining Group Klondike Placer Miners' Association Knight Piesold & Company Kuna Engineering Lignite Energy Council Loenbro Madison Lumber & Hardware Inc. Mascott Equipment Matanuska Susitna Borough Matanuska Telecom Association Matson MDF Global MES Mining Mitsubishi Materials USA Corp Modern Machinery Co. Montana Mining Association More Core Diamond Drilling Services Ltd. Motion & Flow Control Products Motion Industries MSI Communications National Mining Association NC Machinery
Republic Services Resource Development Council Roughstock Mining Services LLC Royal Gold Inc. Samson Tug & Barge Sandvik Schaeffer Specialized Lubricants Sealaska Corporation/Alaska Coastal Aggregates LLC SECON/Southeast Roadbuilders Shoreside Petroleum Inc. SKAPS Industries SLR International Corporation SMS Equipment Inc. Society For Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Soloy Helicopters LLC Solvest, Inc. Sourdough Express Southeast Conference SRK Consulting Stantec Consulting Inc. State Fire Stoel Rives LLP Storm Exploration LLC
Dawson City Chamber of Commerce Delta P Pump a Beckwith & Kuffel Company Denali Industrial Supply Desert Air Alaska DGI Geoscience Dorsey & Whitney LLP DOWL DXP Alaska Pump & Supply Eastern Oregon Mining Association Energy Laboratories Inc. Ensero Solutions Equity Exploration Consultants Ltd. ERM ESI Alaska ESS Support Services Worldwide Evergreen Environmental Lining Company LLC Everts Air Cargo Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation Fairweather LLC Far North Supply Ferguson Industrial First Things First Alaska Foundation Frontier Supply Company GBA Assaying & Refining Global External Grainger Grande Portage Resources Ltd. Graymont Great Basin Industrial, LLC Great Northwest Inc. Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Greenstone Station Inc HDR Heli-Dunn Horst Expediting & Remote Hy-Tech Drilling USA Inc. Idaho Mining Association IMA Financial Group IMDEX Industrial Pumps of Alaska Institute of Northern Engineering Integrity Environmental ISCO Pipe Operations Inc. Hyak Mining Co.
Please support and thank these companies who have renewed their support and corporate membership in AMA. Their continued support makes possible all the work we do in and for the mining industry.
PIONEER/HIGH GRADE Construction Machinery Industrial LLC Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company PRODUCERS Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine Contango Silver & Gold, Inc. Kinross Alaska NANA Regional Corp Northern Star Resources - Pogo Mine Ruen Drilling Inc. Teck Alaska Inc. - Red Dog Usibelli Coal Mine Inc. MINERS AIDEA Calista Corporation Constantine Mining LLC Donlin Gold LLC Lynden NovaGold Resources Inc. Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp. Pebble Limited Partnership RESPEC Sundance Mining Group, LLC
Nova Minerals Limited Nuna Geologic Services LLC
ALS Minerals American Coal Council American Exploration & Mining Association Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Anchorage Sand & Gravel Inc. Arcticom LLC, a BSNC Company ARG Industrial Arizona Mining Association ASRC Energy Services Associated General Contractors of Alaska Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia Aurora Geosciences (Alaska) Ltd. Technical Center Backcountry EMS Barr Engineering Co. BDO USA Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services Inc. Belzona Technology Northwest Automatic Welding & Supply AVTEC - Alaska Vocational
Orica USA Inc. PolarX Limited
Silver 47 South32
Tectonic Metals Inc. Trilogy Metals, Inc. U.S. GoldMining Inc United States Antimony Corporation
BUSINESS MEMBERS 3-Tier Alaska A & D Drilling LLC Acrow Corporation of America (Acrow Bridge)
ACZ Laboratories, Inc. Advanced Supply Chain International LLC Agnico Eagle Airgas USA, LLC
Sullivan Water Wells T & J Enterprises Inc. TDL Staffing Inc. TDM Drilling LLC Temsco Helicopters Inc. The Alliance
NES Fircroft/ Bedrock PCL Nevada Mining Association
Alaska Aggregate Products LLC Alaska Air Carriers Association Alaska Airlines Alaska Auto Rental Alaska Business Alaska Chamber Alaska Drilling and Completions Alaska Forest Association Alaska Garden & Pet Supply, Inc. Alaska Industrial Hardware Inc Alaska International Business Center Alaska Minerals Inc. Alaska Mining & Diving Supply, Inc. Alaska Motorsports and Equipment Alaska Oil and Gas Association Alaska Power & Telephone Alaska Resource Education Alaska Rock Products Association Alaska Roteq Alaska Steel Co. Alaska Trucking Association
New Mexico Mining Association NewFields Mining Design and Technical Services North Star Terminal & Stevedore Co. LLC Northern Industrial Training, LLC (Anchorage) Northern Permafrost Consulting Northern Sonic Alaska, Inc. Northwest Mine Supply Northwest Pump Northwest Territories & Nunavut Chamber of Mines P & C Recruiting and H.R. Perkins Coie LLP Petro Marine Services Pilot & Index Mining Solutions Piton Exploration LLC Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada
Benthic GeoScience, Inc Better In Our Back Yard Big Ray's Alaska Inc. Black Gold Transport Boart Longyear Bobcat of Juneau
The Silver Institute Thyssen Mining Inc. TOTE LLC Tyler Rental Inc. Tyree Oil Ucore Rare Metals Inc. Udelhoven Oilfield System Services University Redi-Mix Utah Mining Association Valdez Creek Mining
Taiga Mining Company Tower Hill Mines Inc.
Boreal Environmental Services Brice Equipment - Industrial Division CalCIMA CarWil LLC Chamber of Mines of Eastern British Columbia Charles Tennant and Company Coastal Helicopters Colorado Mining Association Commonwealth North CONAM Construction Company Consumer Energy Alliance ControlChem West Cruise Lines International Alaska Cummins Sales & Service
EXPLORERS Alaska Energy Metals Alaska Frontier Constructors Inc. Alaska Railroad Corporation Alaska Silver Ambler Metals LLC Chugach Alaska Corporation ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. Doyon, Ltd Falcon Copper Corp. Flatlands Energy Corporation Freegold Ventures Limited GCI Business Graphite One Inc. NMS
VEGA Americas Visit Anchorage Weir Minerals
Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Women's Mining Coalition Woodland Ridge Tiny Home Crafters WSP USA Inc. Wyoming Mining Association
Redpath USA Corporation Remote Made Easy (PSSA) Remote Site Services Inc.
Aleut Corporation Alloy Drilling LLC
Yukon Chamber of Mines Zonge International Inc.
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THE JOURNAL - AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION BY THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
JUNE 2026 | WWW.ALASKAMINERS.ORG
AMA members earn Forty Under 40 honors
Thank you to all the AMA corporate and individual members who joined or renewed their membership to the association in March and April. You make AMA possible! New and Renewing Members
T he Alaska Journal of Commerce celebrated the Class of 2026 for the Top Forty Under 40 in the spring, recognizing an extraordinary group of young professionals whose leadership, drive and com- munity commitment are shaping Alaska’s future. Please join us in congratulating the outstanding individ- uals selected as the Class of 2026, some of whom work in Alaska's mining and natural resource industries. n Samantha Angaiak-Miller, 39, External Affairs Associ- ate Manager, Donlin Gold n Navarone Copley, 35, Branch Manager - Anchorage Service Center, Republic Services n Laura Dean, 37, Financial Advisor/Franchisee, Ameri- prise Financial Service, LLC n Kaylee Devine, 38, President, Spawn Ideas n Laura Ditlinger, 32, Director of Business Intelligence, Imaging Associates n Ashlyn Dye, 30, Program and Community Outreach Coordinator, Anchorage Senior Activity Center n Stephanie Fain, 39, Director of University Success, Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program n Vladislav Finko, 29, Marketing Strategist, Alaska Wealth Advisors n Kyle Fox, 39, Founder and Director, Alopex Interac- tion Design n Connor Hajdukovich, 32, Executive Director, Resource Development Council for Alaska n Allie Hartman, 30, Assembly Communications Direc- tor, Municipality of Anchorage - Anchorage Assembly n Katie Holmlund, 38, Youth Programs Development and Advocacy Coordinator, Petersburg Medical Center n Billy Hughes, 39, Founder, Tundra Testing n Amanda Keates, 39, Controller, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company n Kavya Kelagere-Mayigegowda, 33, Gastroenterologist, ANTHC n Jessica Kopischke, 38, Owner/Founder/CEO, Frontier Health and Wellness n J. Nicholas Loomis, M.D., 38, Medical Director, Inpa- tient Services, and Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center n Jamie Lytton, 34, Physician Assistant, Neuroversion n Janie Ma, 39, Insurance Broker/Account Executive, IMA
n Sierra Minder, 33, External Affairs Manager, Alaska Oil and Gas Association n Naomi Mitchell, 36, Interior Coordinator, Alaska Resource Education n Kristine Morlock, 38, Sr. Director, Contracts & Pricing, Petro Star, Inc. n Kara Norby, 39, Alaska Territory Manager, Surgical Devices Corpus Mountain Medical n Zori Opanasevych, 35, Executive Director, New Chance Inc. n Brittany Rimgale, 36, Business Development Direc- tor, Alaska Regional Hospital n Danicia Shiryayev, 37, VP of Business Services, Credit Union 1 n Chelsea Smith, 35, Director, Alaska Corporation for Affordable Housing n Dr. Julie Stafford, 38, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Anchorage Veterinary Clinic & Urgent Care n Dana Sundet, 39, Director of Data Services, Research, and Evaluation, Southcentral Foundation n Jonathon Taylor, 33, Director/Associate VP of Public Affairs, University of Alaska n Silas Tikaan Galbreath, 39, Chief Operating Officer, First Alaskans Institute n Marita Tolson, 38, Indigenous Trades Program Coor- dinator for Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida and Project Director for Hydaburg City School District n Lindsy Townsend, 38, Board Relations and Strategic Alignment Manager, Chugach Alaska Corporation n Kalani Tucker, 30, Tribal and Board Relations Manag- er, Cook Inlet Tribal Council n Christina Twogood, 38, Product Development Opera- tions Manager, ASRC Energy n Siena Vanucci, 38, Executive Director of Quality, Providence Alaska n Sarah Villalon, 37, Chief Financial Officer, Golden Valley Electric Association n Andrew Watson, 36, Sr. Director Recovery & Reentry Service, Cook Inlet Tribal Council n Karalee Watts, 38, VP of Marketing & Community Relations, Spirit of Alaska Credit Union n Katie Yarrow, 39, President & CEO, Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce
Larry Hanna Ty Hardt Dave & Carolyn Hedderly- Smith
Chris Nicolson David Oliver Alice Orlich Tony Reda
CORPORATIONS 3-Tier Alaska AIDEA Alaska Railroad Corporation Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services Inc. Benthic GeoScience, Inc Bobcat of Juneau ERM Evergreen Environmental Lining Company LLC GBA Assaying & Refining
PROFESSIONALS Sean & Ashley Conley David Harvey Cynthia Helmericks Paul Keyser Jennifer Stoutamore Shane Stradling
Ryan Hendrickson Melanie Hennessey Elizabeth Hensley John Cook & Denise Herzog
Robyn Reyes Robyn Reyes Nicholas Ringstad Jim Robson Randy Ruaro Edgar Saenz Luna Bhaskar Sahoo Jeff San Juan Paul Sayer
Peter Taylor John Walker Eli Ward
Justin Hogrefe Paul Hohbach Alex Hood Tom Hutson Paul Jago
INDIVIDUALS Trent Anderson Sean Bracken Brandon Brefczynski Aris Brimanis Charlene Bringhurst Ronald Brooks Mike Ciricillo Benjamin Clifford
Nicole Shocklee Lance Sprague Lee & Melinda St. Pierre Joseph Stepovich
Graymont Heli-Dunn IMA Financial Group Loenbro
Erin Jenkins Cheryl Jong Leo Kerin Sierra Kryzer Greg Lang George Lounsbury Spencer & Carolyn Lyman Ben Machlis Jim Male Bradley Fulton & Alejandra Marquez Dusty Marsh Icey MIles
Alastair Still Christy Terry Jules Tileston Samuel Towarak Lynn Vogler Kim Walker Gabriella Welsh Jason Weltin Andy West Richard Williams Eric Wolfe Sonja Wolke Patrick Wolverton Richard Worabel
MSI Communications NANA Regional Corp NovaGold Resources Inc. Tectonic Metals Inc. OPERATORS Maggie & Greg Adams Kevin Cross Dan & Alisa Gullett Shane Holmberg
Jim Collord Tom Corbett
Christopher Coty Justine De Boom Roger K Eichman DDS Jeff Foley Frank Gagnon Iskander Garifullin
Chris Miller Lance Miller Robin Mullins & Tom Mortensen Jim Munsell
Clayton Gooden David Greenhalgh Will Hackett
Not yet a member of the Alaska Miners Association? Or have not yet renewed your membership? Renew today so you don’t miss a single issue of The Alaska Miner or the 2026 Alaska Miners Handbook and Service Directory, available only to AMA members.
Call or email Jennifer Luiten, Membership and Fundraising Director at 907-270-9232; jennifer@AlaskaMiners.org.
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THE JOURNAL - AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION BY THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
JUNE 2026 | WWW.ALASKAMINERS.ORG
On the Horizon AMA Membership Calendar
June 17-19, 2026 American Exploration & Mining Association Summer Summit, Spokane, Wash.
GET THE MOST FOR YOUR GOLD!
www.miningamerica.org
July 18-25, 2026 Golden Days 2026, Fairbanks www.fairbankschamber.org/ golden-days-2026
July 23-26, 2026 Southeast Alaska State Fair, Haines
seakfair.org
June 20-21, 2026 Juneau Gold Rush Days
Aug. 4, 2026 AMA's 87th Anniversary
juneaugoldrushdays.com
Sept. 22-24, 2026 Southeast Conference Annual Meeting, Ketchikan
We need your safety submissions!
www.oxfordmetals.com 1.907.561.5237
We’d like to include ongoing safety achievements and milestones, safety tips, safety shares, etc. in this Rock Talk and other AMA publications. Please share those, as they cross your desk/ mind, with carin@alaskaminers.org
Nov. 2-5, 2026 AMA Annual Convention, Dena’ina Center, Anchorage
PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Anchorage, AL Permit #537
Alaska Miners Association 121 W Fireweed Ln. Ste. 120 Anchorage, Alaska 99503
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