Alaska Miner Magazine, Spring 2026

THE ALASKA MINER MAGAZINE: Our magazine is published quarterly and delivered to both the members of the Alaska Miners Association and to key decision-makers and leaders in Alaska and beyond. Our goal is to educate, advocate, and lead our industry as one of the strongest, oldest, and most productive corporate citizens in Alaska. AMA’s mission is to promote responsible mineral development in Alaska. We provide key communication between our members, the industry, and policymakers in and out of Alaska. Each issue includes news and information important to our industry and our constituents.

THE ALASKA MINER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION AND THE MINING INDUSTRY IN ALASKA | VOLUME 54, NUMBER 4: SPRING 2026

ALASKA ON THE HILL BRINGS STRONG COALITION TO D.C.

FACES OF MINING: LISA PUTNAM, USIBELLI COAL MINE

NEWEST ALASKA MINING AND BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY

SHAPING THE FUTURE: BEKI TOUSSAINT, AK RESOURCE EDUCATION

FULL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW HIGHLIGHTS INSIDE THANK YOU, FAIRBANKS!

THANK YOU, FROM AMA

Dear Alaska Miners, I want to take a moment to say thank you — truly. The Alaska Miners Association doesn’t run on coffee alone (though we give it a solid try); it runs on the dedication, grit and members like you who keep things moving all year long. Our recent Fairbanks Conference and Trade Show was a huge success, and honestly, it felt like the entire AMA membership showed up. With 106 vendors, 42 sponsors and over 600 attendees, we had a full house of people who know their way around both heavy equipment and a good conversation. The Conference consisted of a tour to Manh Choh mine, three great short courses, an opening recep- tion, young professionals evening, two full days of technical sessions, core shack, suppliers reception, history night, awards banquet and more — it was busy! If you didn’t leave with sore feet and at least three new contacts in your phone, were you even there? But really, it was a great week made possible by an incredible planning committee. Thank you to so many of you who made the Fairbanks Conference and Trade Show an incredible event. The flight home from Fairbanks to Anchorage was full of AMA members concluding their week in Fairbanks, but also many were traveling to Anchorage to celebrate Naomi Mitchell’s Top 40 Under 40 Award at the awards gala that evening. Congrats, Naomi! The AMA staff along with 130 other Alaskans went from Fairbanks to Washington, D.C. for Alaska on the Hill. What an incredible event! It was my first time to Washington, D.C. (OK, I went in seventh grade but first time as an adult!) — and I was amazed by it all. This was the third annual event and we absolutely rocked it out of the park, from start to finish. YOUR SUPPORT IS WORTH MORE THAN YOU KNOW

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Thank you so much to the THIRTY-FOUR AMA member company representatives and ELEVEN board members who helped mining have such a strong showing. We are back in Anchorage now, writing thank you notes and catching up on emails. Next week, we head to Juneau for the Central Mine Rescue compe- tition in Juneau. It really has been a busy spring, but what an incredible industry to represent. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — the AMA membership is truly incredible. Thank you for all you do — for making the mining industry everything it is today. I’m grateful to be part of it with all of you. Looking forward to another year of hard work and great events. As always, please reach out if I can ever be of any

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table of contents

THE EXPERTISE AND VERSATILITY TO MOVE PROJECTS FORWARD

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MESSAGE FROM AMA’S PRESIDENT

FACES OF MINING: LISA PUTNAM Lisa Putnam, Vice President of Public Relations for Usibelli Coal Mine, shares what makes the coal mine vital to the present and future of Interior Alaska.

MEET FAIRBANKS AWARD WINNERS AMA honored the best and brightest among our Alaska mining community at our awards banquet in Fairbanks. See photos of the winners and watch their videos online.

Alaska miners don't brag, writes, Dave Larimer, but now is the time to help tell all the exceptional stories that make our industry what it is today.

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ALASKA MINING'S VALUE STAYS VAST A recent analysis by the state shows what we've long known: mining in Alaska is a high-value engine stretching far and wide across the state and national economies.

ALASKA MINING & BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY See the Newest Alaska Mining Business and Service Directory, the companies and individuals serving our vital industry.

FACES OF MINING: BEKI TOUSSAINT Beki Toussaint, who recently assumed the role as Executive Director of Alaska Resource Education, shares how ARE is helping to build a better future for young Alaskans.

EDITORIAL CALENDAR Summer 2026 | People in Alaska Mining Fall 2026 | Annual Anchorage Convention Winter 2027 | Legislative and Season Preview Spring 2027 | Alaska Mining Project Updates

ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION STAFF Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director Jennifer Luiten, Membership & Fundraising Director Carin Currier, Projects & Communications Manager Darlene Strickland, Bookkeeper/Membership The Alaska Miner Magazine is published in partnership with the Alaska Miners Association by Fireweed Strategies LLC, 4849 Potter Crest Circle, Anchorage, AK 99516.

The Alaska Miner is dedicated to those who work in and support the mining industry in Alaska, its commitment to the people, and resources of our state. Our magazine is published quarterly and delivered to both the members of the Alaska Miners Association and to key decision makers and leaders in Alaska and beyond. Our goal is to educate, advocate and lead our industry as one of the strongest, oldest and most productive corporate citizens in Alaska. AMA’s mission is to promote responsible mineral development in Alaska.

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the truth and defending Alaskans’ right to build.

is a wonderful platform to brag about yourself, your fellow miner or fellow company. I would even throw out a challenge to our membership … who can submit the most “Brags”? Maybe a special award presented at the 2026 Fall AMA convention …” AMA Bragger of the year?” If you are a social media Luddite like me, you can always send your stories or suggestions to brag about to our publisher of this fine magazine at lee.leschper@fireweedstratigies.com. This tees up our priorities for 2026: increase explora- tion activity and “shots on goal,” drive for permitting certainty and predictable timelines, and push hard on the enabling basics that make projects real — especially reliable, affordable energy and workforce development. None of that is abstract. It’s how Alaska attracts capital, advances projects and ultimately builds more functional mines. Miners don’t brag. Fine. But we can recognize each other’s wins, we can defend each other when the facts get twisted, and we can speak with clarity and confi- dence about the value we deliver. Alaska’s mining story is strong. Let’s tell it — straight, measurable and proud! Dave Larimer AMA PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

So what does it look like to “brag” the right way?

Not chest-thumping. Not glossy slogans. The mining community doesn’t need to change who we are. We need to add a capability: clear, consistent, factual communication. We should be willing to say plainly what we contribute — and back it with proof points people can understand. That means publishing simple metrics and stories: local hire and workforce training numbers; safety leading indicators; local procurement spend; recla- mation progress; monitoring results. It means putting faces to the work — showing the men and women who keep operations safe and compliant in real Alaska conditions. It means inviting people in where we can: classroom visits, job fairs, community open houses and site tours (yes, know and acknowledge we do this … lets keep the momentum!). As the Alaska Miners Association, we can make this easier and more consistent. Send us your photos, your snips, your vignettes on the positive stories you see from our industry. AMA’s social platforms are managed by our wonderful Projects & Communications Manager, Carin Currier. Send ‘em to carin@alaskaminers.org. This

IT'S TIME TO BRAG ABOUT OUR INDUSTRY

There’s a line I’ve heard for years in Alaska: miners don’t brag. We show up, we do the work, we solve the problems in front of us and we move on to the next shift, the next drill pad, the next weather window. That mindset is part of what makes Alaska mining what it is — practical, resilient and mission-focused. But here’s the straight talk: if we don’t tell our story, someone else will. And the version the public hears too often is incomplete at best and deliberately dis- torted at worst. Mining in Alaska today isn’t a cartoon from a bygone era. It’s disciplined industrial work: engineered systems, rigorous safety culture and constant environ- mental monitoring in some of the toughest operating conditions anywhere. It’s miners and mechanics, drill- ers and geologists, welders and electricians, environ- mental technicians and heavy equipment operators. It’s planning and logistics, transportation, redundancy and winterization, and the kind of operational excel- lence that only comes from teams who understand that mistakes in Alaska carry higher costs. The truth is, the “good work” mining delivers is real, measurable and happening right now — often quietly. It’s family-wage jobs and careers that allow Alaskans to stay in Alaska. It’s training pathways that turn entry-level workers into equipment operators, mill- wrights and supervisors. It’s opportunities for veterans who bring a safety-first mindset, leadership and a bias for execution. It’s local procurement that fuels small businesses — from freight and fuel to catering, construction and fabrication. It’s taxes, royalties and payroll that circulate through communities and the state. And it’s infrastructure — airstrips, roads, power upgrades, communications — that can create lasting value well beyond the mine fence line when done right. And yes, it’s environmental performance that can be tracked, tested and verified. Modern projects don’t “hope” they’re doing it right — they measure. Water quality programs, baseline studies, mitigation plans, monitoring data and progressive reclamation are part of

standard operations. That doesn’t mean mining has zero footprint. It means we manage risk with engineering and accountability, and we can show our work with facts. OK … yes I know I’m preaching to the choir here … Now, a reality check about culture: we’re a humble community and “bragging” doesn’t come naturally. It’s hard to point the finger at yourself and say, “Look at what I did.” Most miners would rather keep their heads down and let results speak. But here’s the workaround that fits who we are: we can point the finger at each other. We can publicly call out the good things we see in our crews, our contractors and our fellow opera- tors — without it feeling like chest-thumping. There’s nothing wrong with positive reinforcement. A straight- forward “atta boy,” a “good game,” or a quick recogni- tion of a safety win, a reclamation milestone or a local hire success — those acknowledgements build pride internally and credibility externally. And we also need to add one more muscle: standing up for your fellow miner. Alaska has no shortage of negative op-eds, misleading headlines and narratives that paint mining with the broadest, darkest brush. Some of it is honest disagreement; plenty of it is not. There are well-funded “outsider” campaigns and dark-money efforts that push anti-development mes- saging with little accountability and even less connec- tion to what it takes to build careers and communities here. We don’t need to sit idle while that story spreads unchallenged. When false claims hit the paper, social media or the public square, we should respond — calmly, factually and consistently — and we should do it together. If you or your company has the ability, step in: write the letter, offer the correction, show the data, share the real story and back up your neighbor in the industry. That’s not being political — that’s protecting "Here’s the straight talk: if we don’t tell our story, someone else will. And the version the public hears too often is incomplete at best and deliberately distorted at worst."

RESPONSIBLE GROWTH. ROOTED IN RESPECT.

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ALASKA ON THE HILL

AMA was among more than a dozen associations that attended the third annual Alaska on the Hill event in mid-April in Washington, D.C. More than 120 Alaskans (including miners!) took part in the event that included industry briefings, a Congressional roundtable, visits to legislative offices on the Hill and meetings with the Department of Interior. Thank you to everyone who traveled to D.C. to help advocate for Alaska mining. We made a difference in sharing our stories! Photos by Carin Currier

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ALASKA ON THE HILL

"Alaska Resource Education hopes momentum from the Alaska on the Hill trip leads to even stronger alignment and sustained collaboration among participating orga- nizations, to ensure a unified message to students and educators across Alaska. "Ultimately, the outcome we’re working toward is a more cohesive statewide network that equips Alaska’s students and teachers with relevant, accurate and inspiring information about resource careers and the opportunities available to them right here at home." — Beki Toussaint, Executive Director, Alaska Resource Education

Alaska on the Hill offers a unified platform for Alaska mining and other natural resource industries to present legislators and other decision- makers with sound, critical information they otherwise may never hear.

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ALASKA ON THE HILL

"It’s an honor to be able to share my story about growing up in the Y-K region and why I support the Donlin Gold project with professional colleagues across various industries, D.C.-based elected officials and their staff. Alaska on the Hill is also an incredible opportunity to make new connections, learn about other projects and think creatively about how we may collaborate to better serve our home state." — Samantha Angaiak-Miller, External Affairs Associate Manager, Donlin Gold

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ALASKA ON THE HILL

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working for the Usibelli family. I didn’t begin my career in the mining industry so in many ways my mentors have been the entire management team at Usibelli Coal Mine. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience among them, and I still learn something new every day. What has always stood out to me is that our leadership believes at its core that mining carries a responsibility to our employees, our commu- nity and the land. Those values go hand in hand and are essential to being a successful mining company. What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? First, take pride in your work. Mining powers much of modern life, from the materials that build our infrastructure to the energy that keeps our commu- nities running. Second, never underestimate the importance of relationships. Alaska is actually a small state, and the people you work with today will likely cross your path again many times throughout your career. Finally, remember that public understanding of mining matters. The next generation of miners will need to be just as comfortable explaining what we do as they are doing the work itself. We have to continue telling our story ... and telling it well. What was one experience you will never forget? I was hired onto Team Usibelli shortly before the company’s 75th anniversary celebration. It was an incredible event to help plan, organize and execute. We did not anticipate that so many people would make the drive from all over the state to see our operations. We ran out of hot dogs and burgers, which was a bit of a surprise. In a small town like Healy, that meant calling every restaurant and emptying the freezer at Three Bears so we could keep the grills going. What I loved most was watching people interact and share stories of the coal mine. Seeing multiple generations of employees come back to celebrate together was really special and a reminder of the legacy this company has built in Alaska.

FACES OF MINING: LISA PUTNAM

What do you love most about this business? Lisa and the Goldpanners baseball players her family housed in 2024. Hands down, it’s the people. Mining attracts individ- uals who are practical, hardworking and committed to the work. At Usibelli, there is a strong sense of pride in making sure the coal we produce safely powers and heats homes, schools, hospitals, mil- itary missions and businesses across Interior Alaska. I also love the pride that extends beyond the gates of our mine. Our miners and their families are unapologetically proud of the work they do and the role coal plays in supporting Alaska’s energy needs. Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? I think Alaska will continue to be one of the most important mining regions in the world. Our state holds extraordinary deposits of critical minerals, precious metals and energy resources. As global demand for minerals grows, especially those needed for advanced technologies and energy systems, Alaska will play an increasingly important role.

Lisa Putnam and Usibelli Coal Mine team members showing off the mine during a tour for Alaska Resource Education.

Thanks for welcoming the Alaska Miners Association to Fairbanks! What in particular do you want to let AMA members know about your hometown? Fairbanks has always been a mining and univer- sity town that was built on resource develop- ment and the people willing to come north and work hard to build something meaningful. I think what makes Fairbanks special is the pioneering spirit that remains and that people continue to believe in Alaska's potential. I think that industries mostly support one another and people genuinely care about the future of the

Interior. I think that anyone who spends time here can see the Interior is a place that under- stands why mining matters. Who was your mentor in this industry and what did they teach you that remains true today? Lisa to tell us a bit more about herself as well as what makes the coal mine vital to the present and future of Interior Alaska. Lisa Putnam is Vice President of Public Relations for Usibelli Coal Mine and has been with the mine for the past 10 years. We asked

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

I’ve been fortunate to spend the past 10 years

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Building world-class mines since 1962.

Lisa and her family in Costa Rica.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Workforce shortages are affecting nearly every industry in Alaska. A big question for all of us is how we attract new people to our state and show them the opportunities that exist here. What does AMA mean to you? The Alaska Miners Association plays an incredibly important role in bringing people together from across the industry. It provides a unified voice for mining in Alaska and helps ensure that people understand the important role responsible resource development plays in our economy and in commu- nities across the state. Anything else you want to share? I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside some amazingly talented people within the mem- bership of AMA and I am proud to be part of an industry that contributes so much to the future of our state. "At Usibelli, there is a strong sense of pride in making sure the coal we produce safely powers and heats homes, schools, hospitals, military missions and businesses across Interior Alaska. I also love the pride that extends beyond the gates of our mine. Our miners and their families are unapologetically proud of the work they do and the role coal plays in supporting Alaska’s energy needs."

The mines of the future will likely look different from today’s operations, with more automation, advanced environmental monitoring and new tech- nologies. But the core of the industry will remain the same. It will still be about people working together to responsibly develop Alaska’s resources.

What do you see as our biggest challenges? And opportunities?

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One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that poli- cymakers and the public understand how important mining is to modern life. At the same time, I believe that challenge provides us an opportunity to continue telling its story. Alaska’s mining industry has shown that resource develop- ment can be done responsibly, with strong environ- mental standards and meaningful engagement with the communities where we operate. What keeps you awake at night? I think a lot about the future workforce. There are many mining projects that could come online in the coming years, but mining depends on skilled operators, engineers, mechanics, environmental professionals and many other specialized roles. Ensuring that the next generation understands the opportunities available in this field is incredibly important, especially when there are so many other career paths in resource development. We need young people to see mining not just as a job, but as a career that allows them to build a life in Alaska.

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FAIRBANKS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

HEAVY EQUIPMENT VENDORS Alaska Mining & Diving ARG Industrial Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC DXP Alaska Pump & Supply Equipment Source, Inc. Industrial Pumps of Alaska, Inc. Techline Alaska VENDORS Alaska Aggregate Products, LLC Alaska Business Alaska Energy Metals Corporation Alaska Industrial Hardware Alaska Minerals, Inc. Alaska Petroleum Alaska Resource Education Alaska Roteq Alloy Drilling ALS USA Environmental ALS USA Inc. ASRC Energy Services Backcountry EMS Becker Mining Systems Beckwith & Kuffel, Inc. / Atlas Equipment Benthic GeoScience Inc BLM Minerals Boreal Environmental Services Bureau Veritas Minerals Click Bishop for Governor Delta P Pump a Beckwith & Kuffel Company Elemetal Direct Ferguson Industrial LLC Fireweed Strategies LLC Frontier Supply JCM Industries, Inc. Kinross Alaska Logic Geophysics & Analytics LLC Lynden Magotteaux, Inc Minn Alaska Transport Motion Industries NMS Northern Sonic Drilling and Consulting Northern Star Resources Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp Energy Laboratories Inc. Fairbanks Materials Inc. Fairweather LLC

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Thank you — sponsors and trade show vendors — for your invaluable support!

GOLD SPONSORS Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC Contango Ore, Inc. Elemetal Direct Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company Kinross Alaska Northern Star Resources Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp. Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc.

COAL SPONSORS Alaska Aggregate Products, LLC Alaska Business ASRC Energy Services Becker Mining Systems ConocoPhillips Industrial Pumps of Alaska, Inc. Shannon & Wilson, Inc. SLR International Corporation Taiga Mining Company Inc. The Alliance Thyssen Mining Inc. GRAVEL SPONSORS Black Gold Transport Samson Tug & Barge Co., Inc. Zinnolithic LLC Zonge International Inc.

United States Antimony Corp. Universal Welding & Fabrication Weir Yukuskokon Professional Services LLC TABLE TOP VENDORS Alaska Dreams, Inc. Alaska Earth Sciences Alaska Mill and Feed Alaska Seaplanes Baroid Industrial Drilling Products Big Ray's

SILVER SPONSORS Felix Gold Hy-Tech Drilling USA Inc. Ruen Drilling Inc.

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COPPER SPONSORS Denali Industrial Supply Inc. Doyon, Limited Lynden Matson NMS North of 60 Mining News Shoreside Petroleum Stantec Consulting Inc.

SPECIALTY SPONSORS Convention Bags: Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp.

North of 60 Mining News Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc. Placer Mining Resource Network (PMRN) Primero USA, Inc. Priority One Safety Training

Core Shack Happy Hour: Valhalla Metals AK Inc.

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Rental Car Sponsor: Alaska Auto Rental

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Getting a glimpse of the Manh Choh Mine

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AMA members took part in a mine tour at Manh Choh ahead of the Fairbanks Convention. Thank you to everyone who attended and to our gracious hosts! Photos by Kinross Alaska

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Thank you for an exceptional day trip!

Photos by Kinross Alaska

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The AMA board met at the Fairbanks Curling Club during convention week, discussing a number of important topics and having a bit of fun, too. Thank you to everyone who joined us! Photos by Lee Leschper

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Usibelli Coal Mine showed generous support with exceptional gifts to UAF during the Convention banquet.

Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga speaks to Alaska miners during the Convention's Friends of UAF Breakfast.

Convention attendees were treated to a variety of presentations, including Joe Kemp's on the Ambler Road.

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Challenges with noise and dust? For us it’s no problem.

Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, CEO of Contango Silver & Gold, Inc., and Mick Eckert, General Manager of Pogo Mine, were among the engaging speakers who presented at the Convention. Van Nieuwenhuyse gave a keynote on "Anchoring Alaska’s Global Mining Future for the Long Haul — From Potential to Powerhouse" while Eckert presented on "Pogo Mine: 20 Years of Growth, Partnerships and the People Behind the Impact."

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RAISED IN ALASKA. READY TO PROTECT WHAT MATTERS.

As a lifelong Alaskan, Click has worked construction projects across the state — from building the pipeline to major mine development at Red Dog and Fort Knox. He’s spent 30 years strengthening Alaska’s workforce, serving as a statewide training administrator for the Alaska Operating Engineers Employers Training Center and later as Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. For 12 years in the Senate, he’s backed the industries that drive this state. As governor, he’ll ensure Alaska’s resource economy continues to grow — and he has the track record to prove it.

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It’s time to build an Alaska that works — for you, your family, and generations to come.

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: AMA does not endorse candidates. This is an advertisement paid for by the candidate. All candidates are welcome to purchase advertising in The Alaska Miner Journal and Alaska Miner Magazine.

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Thank you to the more than 100 vendors and 600 registered attendees who joined us at the Fairbanks Convention and Trade Show. Your support means everything to AMA and Alaska mining!

Dedicated to responsible development of Alaska’s resources

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FAIRBANKS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

We're already looking ahead to the 2026 AMA Annual Convention and Trade Show, which will be held Nov. 2-5 at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage! Vendor registration will open in mid-May.

Keeping Alaska’s Industry in Motion.

I am a flower lover. I am an environmental protector. I am mining. I was born in Montana but moved to Alaska at 8, growing up in Chugiak surrounded by its beauty and wild spirit. I fell in love with gardening and painting watercolors of Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife. As Director of Environmental Affairs, I’m grateful that environmental compliance is woven into the culture. Every Kinross Alaska employee contributes to our environmental performance through the decisions they make every day.

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Anchorage 907-563-5565 Fairbanks 907-452-4488

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AMA AWARD WINNERS

NAOMI MITCHELL Golden Heart Service Award

AUDRA BRASE Environmental Stewardship Award

Visit www.alaskaminers.org/previous-award-winners to see videos of the honorees from Fairbanks

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AMA AWARD WINNERS

JAENELL MANCHESTER Promising Prospector Award

KEITH MILES Chuck Hawley Lifetime Achievement Award

Moriah Miles, Keith’s daughter, accepted his award in his honor.

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SPRING 2026 | ALASKAMINERS.ORG

ALASKA MINING'S IMPACT REACHES FAR ACROSS THE GLOBE

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BY WILL LESCHPER By any measure — economic output, export value, wages or strategic importance — Alaska’s mining industry occupies a uniquely consequential place in the modern resource economy. Recent data from a state Department of Labor and Workforce Development analysis underscores a reality that Alaska miners have long known: mining in Alaska is not simply a legacy sector; it is a for- ward-facing, high-value engine with implications that stretch far and wide across the state and national economies, and national security. The scale is substantial, according to the analy- sis by state economist Karinne Wiebold in Alaska Economic Trends, the department’s research pub- lication. In 2024 alone, Alaska’s major mines pro- duced hundreds of thousands of ounces of gold and millions of ounces of silver, alongside significant volumes of zinc and lead. The Red Dog Mine, for example, remains one of the world’s largest zinc producers and a critical domestic source of germa- nium — a semiconductor material that has taken on heightened strategic importance amid export restrictions from China. Modern Alaska mining is defined by six large-scale metal mines and hundreds of smaller placer opera- tions extracting gold, silver, zinc and lead, along with trace but increasingly important byproducts such as germanium. These operations are capital-intensive, technologically advanced and deeply integrated into global markets.

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Mining’s contribution to Alaska’s economy is both durable and growing. The sector has generated more than $2 billion annually in recent years and approached $3 billion in 2024 when adjusted for inflation, according to the analysis. While this rep- resents roughly 3% to 4.5% of the state’s GDP, its

Photo by Couer Alaska Kensington Mine

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labor while simultaneously investing in training and recruitment pipelines.

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impact is amplified by its concentration in high-wage employment and export-driven revenue. Employment trends tell a particularly compelling story. During the past decade, metal mining jobs in Alaska have increased by 37%, far outpacing overall job growth in the state, which has remained largely flat, according to the analysis. In 2024, the industry supported more than 3,500 direct jobs and employed approximately 4,600 workers during the course of the year. Compensation reflects the sector’s value. Average annual wages reached approximately $135,000, nearly double the statewide average and second only to oil and gas. These earnings ripple through local econ- omies, particularly in remote regions where mining often serves as a primary economic anchor. Yet the workforce picture is not without challenges. Alaska’s aging population and declining working-age demographic complicate long-term labor supply. As the state grapples with workforce shortages, mining companies are increasingly reliant on out-of-state

Export Power in a Resource-Driven Economy

Mining’s significance extends well beyond state borders. Alaska’s mineral exports rank among its most valuable economic outputs, consistently placing alongside seafood and energy products In 2025, zinc exports alone were valued at approx- imately $1.3 billion, making them the state’s sec- ond-largest export category behind frozen fish, according to the analysis. Gold followed closely at $1.1 billion, with additional contributions from pre- cious metal ores and lead concentrates. This export strength highlights a key dynamic: Alaska’s mining sector is deeply tied to global com- modity markets. Price fluctuations for gold, silver and base metals directly influence both export values and overall economic contribution. Recent years have seen renewed momentum, particularly in gold, where rising prices since 2020 have bolstered production

Photo by Couer Alaska Kensington Mine

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infrastructure.

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These approaches are gaining attention as compa- nies look to navigate the high costs and regulatory complexities of bringing new mines online. They also illustrate a broader trend toward modular, flexible development strategies in remote and infrastruc- ture-limited regions, something with which all Alaska miners are familiar. Looking ahead, Alaska’s mining sector appears poised for continued growth, supported by a robust pipeline of exploration projects and a shifting policy environment. Dozens of active exploration projects were under- way in recent years, spanning a range of commodi- ties from gold to graphite. Federal involvement has also increased, particularly in the context of critical minerals. Notably, the U.S. Department of Defense has invested tens of millions of dollars in feasibility studies for projects like Graphite Creek, reflect- ing a strategic push to reduce reliance on foreign sources. Regulatory frameworks are also evolving. Programs such as FAST-41 aim to streamline permitting for

value and investment interest.

At the same time, evolving demand for critical min- erals — driven by clean energy technologies, elec- tronics and defense applications — has elevated the strategic importance of materials including zinc, copper and germanium. Alaska’s resource base posi- tions it as a potential linchpin in efforts to secure domestic supply chains.

Innovation in Operations and Infrastructure

One of the more notable developments in Alaska’s mining landscape is the emergence of operational efficiencies designed to reduce costs and streamline development timelines. A prime example is the integration between the Manh Choh project and the Fort Knox mill near Fairbanks. Rather than constructing a standalone processing facility, ore from Manh Choh is trans- ported hundreds of miles for processing at the existing site. This model reduces capital expendi- tures, accelerates project timelines and minimiz- es environmental footprints associated with new

Photo by Couer Alaska Kensington Mine

large-scale infrastructure and resource projects, while recent federal actions have sought to accelerate approvals and revisit previously restricted developments.

Strategic Value in a Changing World

What ultimately distinguishes Alaska’s mining sector is not just its economic con- tribution, but its strategic relevance. As the United States seeks to secure domestic sources of critical minerals, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities and support emerging technologies, Alaska’s resource base takes on heightened importance. Materials extracted from its mines are essential to everything from renewable energy systems to advanced electronics and national defense applications. At the same time, the industry’s ability to deliver these resources depends on navigating a complex intersection of eco- nomics, policy, workforce dynamics and environmental responsibility. In the end, one message is clear: Alaska’s mining sector is not just a contributor to the resource economy — it is a proving ground for how resource development will be defined in the decades ahead.

RESPONSIBLE MINING From repurposing almost half of our tailings for mine backfill to using hydropower whenever it’s available, we take pride in being responsible miners. At Hecla Greens Creek, we produce minerals that are essential for our modern world in a manner that is safe and environmentally responsible.

HECLA | RESPONSIBLE. SUSTAINABLE. INNOVATIVE.

hecla.com/operations/greens-creek-alaska

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SHAPING ALASKA’S FUTURE: BEKI TOUSSAINT

Beki first joined ARE in 2012 and has spent her time educating students and teachers across Alaska about the state’s natural resources. In addition to bringing students to AMA's annual convention, Beki has developed new curriculum and found countless ways to help the next generation learn about the importance of Alaska’s resources.

Tell us about your background and what brought you to ARE and to education. When my hopes of becoming a dolphin vet were squashed, I reevaluated and decided to pursue education. After teaching high school science for a bit, I decided I needed to “be a scientist” before being able to be a good teacher, so I moved to Alaska from Colorado and took an environmental science position with Jacobs Engineering, and completed a master’s in environmental science with a focus on octopus genetics. While attending an RDC conference, I saw the ARE booth and realized it was the perfect blend of my background in natural science and edu- cation. Working at the intersection of education,

Beki Toussaint recently assumed the role as Executive Director of Alaska Resource Education. We asked Beki to tell us more about herself and how ARE is helping to build a better future for young Alaskans.

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workforce development and industry partnerships, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when stu- dents can connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real careers. As executive director, what is your vision for ARE? My vision is for ARE to continue growing as a statewide leader in connecting students and

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impactful. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that what we do helps shape Alaska’s future. I have made lifelong friends through this work and there is nothing better than that! Where do you see resource develop- ment in Alaska in 50 years? I see a future where Alaska continues to be a global leader in responsible resource develop- ment supported by a highly skilled, homegrown workforce. Technology will play a bigger role, but the need for people trained, knowledgeable and connected to their communities, will remain just as important. Education will be key to making that future possible. What do you see as our biggest chal- lenges? And opportunities? One of the biggest challenges is awareness. Many students and teachers simply don’t know about the breadth of opportunities available in resource development. At the same time, that’s also our greatest opportunity. By improving access to information, experiences and training, we can build a strong pipeline of Alaskans ready to step into these careers. What keeps you awake at night? Making sure we’re reaching all students. I’m always thinking about how we can do more to ensure every student has the opportunity to under- stand the importance of our natural resources and explore how they can have a future in those industries. Also, funding to sustain the work we are doing. What does AMA mean to you? AMA represents connection to me, bringing togeth- er industry, education and community. AMA has always been there for me as I have grown as an educator and as a leader. The staff and members are a huge support for me as a person and for ARE as an organization. Deantha and her team have been there for me per- sonally and professionally more than I could ever thank them for! Many members are on speed dial for me and my team for random rock questions, tours, to hold big

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48 educators to Alaska’s resource industries through relevant, engaging and balanced education. I want every student, no matter how remote their com- munity, to have access to experiences that help them understand the opportunities available to them. That means expanding hands-on programs, strengthening partnerships with industry and sup- porting teachers with tools and training that bring real-world context into their classrooms and them out of the classroom. Do you have new or different plans for 2026 and beyond? We’re focused on scaling our impact. That includes expanding programs like Amped on Energy, Rockstars and career exploration opportunities so more students can participate. I am hoping to hire a Southeast coordinator, much like Naomi Mitchell in Fairbanks, to educate students, host programs and strengthen our partnerships in the region. We’re also working to expand partnerships with industry and organizations across the state to ensure students are seeing the full picture of explo- ration, extraction, transportation and the associated careers. Another priority is building more pathways for students to transition from awareness into training, certifications, and ultimately, employment. Who was your mentor in resource devel- opment and education, and what did they teach you that remains true today? I’ve been fortunate to learn from many people across both education and industry. In my early education years, my principal Eric Larsen was who showed me what it really meant to show up for students. In resource development, my cousin Todd Winkle was the first to open doors for me to under- stand how our natural resources and the environ- ment can coexist, and how important that message is for people to hear. My teaching partners over the years (too many to name) have all added to my teaching philosophy and practices. My mentors in the resource development industries really are the trade association (AMA, RDC, Alliance,

AOGA) staff and members — which I know is a LOT of people, but that is where I have made my connections and get my information to be able to share all the great work our industries are doing. What lessons have you learned that you want to share with AMA members? One lesson that has stayed with me is that educa- tion is most impactful when it’s relevant and con- nected to real life. When students understand the “why,” everything changes. One of the other biggest lessons is that engage- ment matters. When industry shows up, whether that’s through classroom visits, site tours or men- torship, it makes a lasting impact on students. Last, is that we have to meet students where they are and help them see themselves in these careers. The earlier we can make those connections, the stronger our future workforce will be. What was one experience you will never forget? Seeing a student have that “aha” moment on a site visit, and they realize, “I could do this,” is some- thing that never gets old. Those moments are powerful because they can completely change a student’s trajectory. Being part of that is something I’ll never forget. What do you love most about the work you do? The people. From educators to industry profession- als to students, this work is built on relationships. I love being able to bring those groups together and create opportunities that are meaningful and "From educators to industry profes- sionals to students, this work is built on relationships. I love being able to bring those groups together and create opportunities that are mean- ingful and impactful. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that what we do helps shape Alaska’s future. "I have made lifelong friends through this work and there is nothing better than that! "

nuggets of gold, auction items, guest speakers and SO MUCH MORE. Anything else you want to share? I’m excited about the future and the role ARE can play in it. Alaska has incredible opportunities ahead, and by investing in education and our young people, we’re investing in the long-term strength of our state. On a personal level, raising my kids here keeps that perspective front and center for me. Like so many Alaskans, I want them to grow up to understand- ing the value of our resources, the importance of responsible development and the opportunities that exist right here at home. It’s not just the work I do, it’s the future I’m helping build for my own family and for communities across Alaska.

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