President’s Message From Lorali Simon
Note from Publisher Fireweed Strategies
The time is right for working together
2025. Mary has over a decade of experience in energy policy commu- nications in Washington, D.C., with roles on U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s staff, on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and at the American Petroleum Institute. Mary is the primary contact for advertising and financial questions (mary@lunastrategiesdc.com). Lee Leschper remains the CEO of Fireweed Strategies, an Anchor- age-based LLC founded in 2015 to share the full story of Alaska’s re- source development industries. As some of you may have heard, Lee was involved in an accident last fall, but he remains committed to Fire- weed’s mission while continuing his recovery. Fireweed Strategies pub- lishes unique magazines that con- nect key industries with diverse au- diences while highlighting resource development’s impact on the state’s economy and national security.
Fireweed Strategies LLC has expanded our Alaska team for our Alaska magazines for 2025, includ- ing The Alaska Miner and other AMA publications. Will Leschper is now leading all content, design and production for our Alaska Miners Association as well as other Fireweed publications in- cluding those of the Alaska Support Industry Alliance and the Resource Development Council for Alaska. He has been the designer and produc- tion manager of AMA publications since 2019. Will is a nationally recog- nized writer and photographer, and a frequent contributor to national magazines with more than 20 years in publishing. Direct news, photos and sto- ry requests for the Miner to Will (leschperw@gmail.com). Mary (Leschper) Schaper is now supporting business and advertis- ing for all Fireweed publications for
"As we start this new era of partnership between the federal government and Alaska mining, it is important that we be proactive and not wait. In the first days of the first Trump Administration a wise Alaskan said 'You've got four years … don't waste it!' ” W hat a whirlwind of a spring it has been! With a new administration in
able policies from our nation's capital can make or break much of the rest of what we endeavor to do, to develop Alaska’s natural resources. So now is the time to move forward in teamwork with our state government and leadership, to move on projects that have been waiting far too long. This challenge is not specific to Alaska or the United States; it is influenced by international forces. We need a long-term global perspective for both our solutions and partnerships. The record-setting monetary value of our resources, especially critical minerals, provides huge economic incentive as well. It is a very good time to be in mining! Alaska’s mining industry faces a critical call to action. Whether through testifying, donating, or investing in long-delayed projects, it is time to act. It is time to put all our cards on the table, and get to work. Let me recap some key points that I men- tioned previously, President Trump has con- sistently advocated for increased resource de- velopment as a means of boosting economic growth and energy independence. In Alaska, this approach is particularly relevant given the state's rich mineral resources. n One of the most notable aspects of Trump's approach to governance is his com- mitment to reducing regulatory burdens on
Washington and a new dedication to resource development, especially in Alaska, there may have never been a better time to be a miner. Elsewhere in this magazine you will see more, as you are seeing every day in the tradi- tional media, about the new dedication to de- velop Alaska’s resources that's coming from the Trump Administration. In my last column, I celebrated the great potential President Trump and his team have launched for Alaska, and Alaska mining in particular. It is remarkable to reverse the huge ship of the federal government from very anti- to very pro-mining in days, but that is what we have seen. As we start this new era of partnership be- tween the federal government and Alaska min- ing, it is important that we be proactive and not wait. In the first days of the first Trump Administration a wise Alaskan said “You've got four years … don't waste it!” The point then and the point now remains. Nothing set by elected leadership is permanent. For those of us having business plans and de- velopment that has required decades, the days of favorable winds need to be not just celebrat- ed but put to good use! As we learned in the last eight years, favor-
businesses. n The new administration has focused on legislation aimed at streamlining the permitting process for energy projects, including mining op- erations. For Alaska's mining industry, permitting reform could result in faster approval times for new projects, reducing the time and costs associat- ed with regulatory compliance. n President Trump has consistently advocated for increased resource development as a means of boosting economic growth and energy indepen- dence. In Alaska, this approach is particularly rele- vant given the state's rich mineral resources. n Gov. Mike Dunleavy and other political lead- ers in Alaska have expressed their backing for Trump's pro-mining stance, viewing it as a way to stimulate the state's economy and create jobs. n By working in tandem with the federal gov- ernment, Alaska's political leaders can help cre- ate a more favorable environment for the mining industry to thrive. I look forward to working with you in these ex- citing days ahead! Lorali Simon is Vice President of External Affairs for Usibelli Coal Mine
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The Alaska Miner
Spring 2025
www.AlaskaMiners.org
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