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
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I’ve been fortunate to spend the past 10 years
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THE ALASKA MINER - THE MAGAZINE OF THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
SPRING 2026 | ALASKAMINERS.ORG
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