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.
Father and son miners Dale and Jacob Mattila, Usibelli Coal Mine
The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska
AlaskaMiners.org
Fall 2023 Volume 51, Number 10
Miners for Generations See You in Anchorage for Our Annual Convention!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE n Complete Annual Convention Details! n Graphite One Building Critical Priorities n Faces of Mining: Jeremy Whitmore n Wins, Losses on Federal Front
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Executive Director’s Report
Dear Alaska Miners, Ready for a reunion?
Our Alaska Miner family gets together often but it’s always our annual convention each fall that feels like a family reunion. The rest of the year we are so busy, whether in the field, underground or in the Legislature, moving pa - perwork or moving dirt, that it’s hard to stay connect - ed. And yet we do, come together, whenever there’s a need, a new challenge, a new opportunity. So yes, we are family. Like families everywhere, we are stronger together and apart. That doesn’t mean we don’t disagree among ourselves and don’t root for the same football teams or share the same favorite ways of fishing! But when the chips are down, we know who we can count on. We also believe in taking care of our future generations of miners, which has never been more important. If you look amongst us, you’ll see more miners nearing the end of our careers than at the beginning. Mining in Alaska is a great career! With a great future. That’s why our convention committee decided our 2023 convention theme should “Miners For Gener- ations!” Many of us grew up in times when jobs were hard to come by and did not pay that well. By comparison, in our industry today, a young person without in - curring a mountain of student debt or many years of college can begin a career earning well over $100,000 a year. That while living in Alaska and living the Alaska lifestyle, while knowing that they are contributing to a critical part of our state’s and nation’s economy. We all have a stake in recruiting and training this next generation of miners. At AMA, we’re trying to do our part with network events like Tuesday night’s event “Unearthing Tomor- row’s Leaders” here at the annual convention. We’re also “fishing where they are” by networking on every platform available to us, from the magazine you’re reading to social media to email to job boards, all to let young people both inside and outside Alas - ka know about the opportunities within our member companies in Specialists. Together with our partners at AK Metal Mines formally known as the Council of Alaska Producers, we are also embracing the need to educate all Americans, not just potential workers, about the critical work we do in current and future technologies, including re- newable energy and in national defense, but also in reminding about the stability of dispatchable energy
with Alaska’s clean coal. It’s one of the great stories that we try to tell in this magazine. You’ll often see on our covers the multiple generations of families who have grown and worked for decades together in Alaska mining. On the cover of this issue, you will see father and son Dale and Jacob Mattila, who have worked togeth- er at Usibelli Coal Mine since 2010. Last issue, our cover was Danny Twitchell and his daughter Betty, who work together at the Donlin Gold Project. And our spring covered featured a number of the amazing women who work together at Kinross Alaska’s Fort Knox Gold Mine. It’s often been said that a team, whether on an athletic field or on the field of battle, fights for each other more than for any lofty goal or trophy or victo - ry. It’s for each other, for you, that we do what we do every day at AMA. We are stronger together. I can’t wait to see you in Anchorage!
Deantha Skibinski AMA Executive Director
Please see complete AMA Convention coverage on Pages 26-40 and visit our website at AlaskaMiners.org for more information.
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Fall 2023
The Alaska Miner
The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska
ON THE COVER: Alaska mining is a family affair! Dale Mattila and his son Jacob have worked together in the Usibelli Coal Mine maintenance department since 2010. Usibelli employees recently celebrated 1,000 days without a lost-time accident. Photo courtesy Usibelli Coal Mine THIS PAGE: Groundbreaking for the Manh Choh Mine marks a dramatic new step in mining production in Interior Alaska, as well as a new model for mining efficiency. Here Kinross Gold Corporation CEO Paul Rollinson speaks
to groundbreaking attendees. Photo Courtesy Kinross Alaska
6 Alaska Miners Still Setting the Standard
26 Welcome to Convention 2023! 52 Remembering Those We’ve Lost 60 Newest Mining Business and Service Directory
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Executive Director’s Report 4 Letter From President Bartly Kleven
16 Faces of Mining: Jeremy Whitmore 23 OP-ED: EPA Attack on All Alaska
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.
EDITORIAL CALENDAR
ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION STAFF
Winter 2024 Legislative and Season Preview Spring 2024 Project Updates Summer 2024 People in Mining Fall 2024 Annual Anchorage Convention
Deantha Skibinski Executive Director Jennifer Luiten Membership and Fundraising Director Darlene Strickland Bookkeeping and Membership
EXECUTIVE BOARD
BRANCH CHAIRMEN
Bartly Kleven President, Kinross Alaska, Fairbanks Lorali Simon First Vice President, Usibelli Coal Mine, Healy Blake Bogart Second Vice President, Graphite One Inc., Nome Kim Aasand Treasurer, Aasand & Glore LLC., Anchorage
Ted Hawley Anchorage Richard Sivils Denali Ken Hall Fairbanks
Houston Morris Kenai Ken Hughes Nome Robert Fithian Ketchikan/Prince of Wales
Liz Cornejo Haines Jim Clark Juneau
The Alaska Miner 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. For advertising information or news tips, call or email publisher Lee Leschper at 907-957-6025 or Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com.
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Fall 2023
The Alaska Miner
President’s Message From Bartly Kleven
It has been an honor to serve Alaska's miners
"I want to thank each and every one of you for your support for me and for our association. There are no more engaged or hard-working people in America than Alaska’s miners. I am proud to call you friends, allies, mentors, partners and heroes!" A s I’m writing this, it’s hard to believe my two years as president of the Alaska Miners Association has come to an end. It’s a little amusing to look back at my first letter to you as president: “The two most important things you should
I want to thank each and every one of you for your support for me and for our as - sociation. There are no more engaged or hard-working people in America than Alaska’s miners. I am proud to call you friends, allies, mentors, partners and heroes! It is a little intimidating to look back on our recent history. We have had to stay the course through three of the most challenging years in the history of our state. In 2019, we were just coming up from sev - eral tough years of low mineral prices that hurt explorers as well as existing operations, and there was a lot to be optimistic about. Then the pandemic stopped most other in - dustries. But not Alaska’s miners, as mining
know about me: I love our industry and I love pro- ducers! What we do is not easy; it takes intellect, grit, perseverance, and the willingness and abil- ity to work incredibly hard to achieve production. These are traits that are found in miners from small placers to large corporations, and the folks who offer services to support our efforts. Congratula - tions to one and all and a big Thank You — we need more of you!”
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is among Alaska’s most critical industries, supporting both our state’s economy and our mining families. I am so proud of how you, every one of us, stepped up and went to work every day. Now to the business at hand! What this week represents is far more than a convention. It is a family reunion, really good business, branding who we are to outsiders, adventure, education, net- working, and a whole lot of friends and fun. It is one of the biggest, best events of any kind in Alaska each year. It has been an honor to serve you and our association and our industry. n Trade Show Map, Page 28-29 n Convention Schedule, Page 30 n Convention Sponsors, Page 34 n Trade Show Exhibitors, Page 35 n Convention Discounts, Page 37 n Awards Banquet, Page 40
Sign up and share the Alaska Miner The Alaska Miner is mailed statewide to Alaska business, government and Native leaders. Subscriptions are complimentary — to sign up just email address and contact information to admin@FireweedStrategies.com. And if you’re already receiving the Miner, sign up your team members and clients who also need to be reading the latest good news about Alaska mining!
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Fall 2023
The Alaska Miner
Alaska miners still setting the standard
We agree that we need to do a better job telling our story. That’s a recurring theme as we talk among ourselves in the Alaska mining industry, when discussing the mispercep- tions outsiders have about us. Because people too often are making decisions affecting our future, while thinking we’re still operating as miners did 150 years ago. Here are some key points. Innovation Modern mining is as differ - ent from the old stereotypes as flying an F-35 is from paddling a canoe. And in Alaska we lead the world in employing cutting edge technology to mine clean- ly, safely, and efficiently. before it was cool. We have for generations been dedicated to environmental social and gover- nance integrity, not just because it’s good business but because it’s the right thing to do. And we live here, so we care more than anyone about protecting our lands, water and wildlife. Dedication to Values Miners were living by ESG more than 20 years to permit a new mine in Alaska. Our state has some of the most rigorous, focused and dedicated permit - ting requirements in the world. That is backed by a Department of Natural Resources that sets the highest standards for all Rigorous Permitting It’s no joke that it takes
resource development, before, during and after production. Mining pays Alaska’s mines are the top taxpayers and employers in the boroughs where they exist. And in many regions lacking in high paying jobs, the average min - er’s wage of $115,000 makes a better quality of life possible for thousands of Alaskan families. Mining benefits Alaska Na - tives The Red Dog Mine has been the No. 1 producer of revenue distributed back to Alaska Na- tives. For decades, the 12 Alas- ka Native regional corporations and nearly 200 village corpo - rations statewide have shared revenue generated from re- source projects amongst them - selves, exceeding $3 billion. Here are some key factors about Alaska mining that we can proudly share. In 2022, Alaska’s $4.5 billion mining industry provided: n 11,400 total direct and indirect jobs attributed to Alas - ka mining industry. n Charitable contribu- tions to more than 280 Alaska non-profits. n $4.5 million in contribu - tions. n $800,000 to civic, busi- ness, and industry organiza -
tions in Alaska through spon - sorship and membership fees. n Over $2.7 million con- tributed to the University of Alaska and vocational schools to support education in Alaska. n 73 percent of workers at the six large mines are Alaska residents. n Mining employees live in about 90 communities throughout Alaska. And the potential to grow those employment numbers with exploration and new mines being considered is in- credible: n The Graphite Creek proj - ect, north of Nome, is expected to create 370 production jobs. n Livengood, just north of Fairbanks, will also create about 330 mining jobs. n Donlin Gold in Southwest Alaska is expected to require about 1,000 workers during its operations. n Pebble in Southwest Alaska would require an opera - tions labor force of about 850. n Arctic, in Northwest Alaska, is expected to employ about 450 people during its operations. For our newest excellent and compelling report on Eco- nomics Benefits of Mining in Alaska, look online at www. alaskaminers.org/econom- ic-benefits
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The Alaska Miner
Fall 2023
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OPINION: Ambler Access Project is more than a road This is no time to take a step backward on Ambler Road
BY CHUCK KOPP F or several years, it has been understood but under-rec- ognized that the Red Dog mine will conclude mine operations in 2031. Let’s think about this for a moment. Red Dog provides nearly
necting the mine site to the Chuk- chi Sea, the Ambler Road is not only a road but a symbol of respon - sible development and community vitality. The AAP will provide private, controlled, and permitted access through state, Native corporation, and federal lands to some of the
Survey has warned us about this for more than two decades. Is this a problem? Yes. Rus - sia and China are two of the five countries we are most dependent on for critical minerals. No one would accuse them of being friends of democracy. As free people whose existence is an affront to autocracies, we must insist on moving beyond deceptive either-or fallacies that prevent the development of our lands and resources, imperil the security and self-determination of our people, and trample singular opportunities to move families and communities into the full economic life of our state. Failure to mine our own re- sources only ensures the same resources will be mined in other countries, under appalling child la - bor and environmental conditions. Do we refuse to produce them at home, but then use them at home? We must find ways to achieve agreement on the safe production of our strategic mineral resources. The AAP remains viable as long as it keeps to a critical timeline to reach a final investment decision in the near term. In 2022, after receiving a Re - cord of Decision to proceed with the right of way, the project was halted by lawsuits and a subse- quent federal court injunction. The draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is now nearing completion and is anticipated to be released to the public in late September, at which time public testimony will be taken by federal and state agencies. There is no time left to take a step backward. Let’s be certain the community, environmental, and cultural concerns are fairly ad- dressed, and then move forward to secure our future. In so doing, our people and land will flourish.
900 shareholder jobs, $50 million annually in wages, and over $100 million per year in revenue sharing to other Alaska Native regional and village corporations, many of which have little financial security. And there is no other near-term economic lifeline. In December 2021,
highest-grade cop - per, zinc, and criti - cal mineral deposits known in the world. And it could not come at a more critical hour. President Joe Biden’s recent an -
nouncement of support to boost
domestic production of critical minerals to make electric vehi-
Nathan McCowan, chair of the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association, commented on shared revenue from Red Dog Mine to vil- lage corporations, saying, “It’s the difference between being unprofit - able on a steady-state basis versus being able to maintain a certain degree of solvency — without having to consider really difficult decisions like selling your land.” What about Donlin? The Donlin Gold project in Southwest Alaska has exceptional reserve size and enjoys strong Calista Corporation and community partnerships. In time, it will provide significant revenue sharing to ANCs, yet this is still as much as two decades away. This brings us to the impor - tance of the Ambler Access Project, also known as the Ambler Road, a 211-mile right-of-way promised to Alaskans since 1980 in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conserva - tion Act for surface transportation purposes from the Ambler Mining District to the Dalton Highway. Much like the Red Dog Road con-
cles, military weapons systems, cell phones, solar panels, lithium-ion batteries and building future tech- nologies is encouraging to hear. Every convenience of modern life depends on the production of min - eral resources. Crisis brings clarity and re- al-world practicality. Today we see our globe reeling under the ac- tions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a paranoid madman run - ning an autocracy that is terror- izing Europe, brutally attacking a free democratic neighbor, and crippling the international econo - my. These sobering events require clear-headed policy responses that prioritize securing our future and reducing dependence on the whims of foreign despots to sell us critical minerals without which we cannot survive. According to the USGS, our country is 100% import-dependent for at least 23 critical and strategic minerals, and between 50% and 99% dependent for another 30 key minerals. And the U.S. Geological
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January 2021
The Alaska Miner
Graphite One to develop new fire suppressant
long-standing foam fire suppres - sants which are known to have tox- ic impacts on human health and the environment,” said Anthony Huston, President and CEO of Graphite One. “This DLA contract underscores the importance of graphite for inno - vative technology applications beyond the renewable energy markets — an important part of Graphite One’s ad - vanced graphite materials strategy.” Since the beginning of the 1990s expandable graphite has been used as a halogen-free, environmen- tally friendly flame retardant and fire protection additive. Expand - able graphite is a natural graphite in which a chemical process is used to introduce water-insoluble salts into
its layer structure, which, when ex- posed to heat, ensures an enormous and rapid increase in volume. This property qualifies the material for its use in fire protection. Graphite One will execute the DLA project with Vorbeck Materials, Corp. of Maryland, under the terms of the G1-Vorbeck teaming agreement an- nounced on June 19, 2023. “Vorbeck is excited to work with Graphite One to develop new and safer alternatives for the existing PFAS fire-suppressants for the DLA, ´ Vorbeck CEO John Lettow said. “Vorbeck’s strong experience in cre - ating new formulations based on
$4.7M DoD contract underscores graphite's use in innovation Graphite One Inc. has announced it has received a $4.7 million con- tract from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency (“DLA”) to develop a graphite and graphene-based foam fire suppres - sant as an alternative to incumbent PFAS fire-suppressant materials, as required by U.S. law. “Graphite One is pleased to be - gin work on this Defense Logistics Agency project, which responds to the legally-mandated requirement to develop a new alternative to
CONTINUED on PAGE 12
Learn more at DonlinGold.com Our commitment to hire local employees and vendors ensures a positive economic impact for our community.
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The Alaska Miner
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Photo Courtesy Graphite One
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GRAPHITE, CONTINUED from PAGE 10
graphite and graphene should enable us to move rapidly toward a success - ful solution that will have significant supply-chain, safety and environ - mental benefits for the country.” Graphite One’s Supply Chain Strategy With the United States current - ly 100 percent dependent on foreign imports for natural graphite, Graph - ite One is planning to develop a com - plete U.S.-based, advanced graphite supply chain solution anchored by the Graphite Creek resource. The Graphite One Project plan includes an advanced graphite ma - terial and battery anode manufac- turing plant expected to be sited in Washington State integrated with the development of the Graphite Creek Property. The plan includes a recycling facility to reclaim graphite and the other battery materials, to be co-located at the Washington State site, the third link in Graphite One’s circular economy strategy. About Graphite One Inc. Graphite One Inc. continues to develop its Graphite One Project to become an American producer of high-grade anode materials that is integrated with a domestic graphite resource. The Project is proposed as a vertically integrated enterprise to mine, process and manufacture an - ode materials primarily for the lithi - um-ion electric vehicle battery mar- ket. As set forth in the Company’s 2022 Pre-Feasibility Study, graphite mineralization mined from the Com - pany’s Graphite Creek Property, sit - uated on the Seward Peninsula about 60 kilometers north of Nome, Alas- ka, would be processed into concen - trate at an adjacent processing plant. Natural and artificial graphite anode materials and other value-added graphite products would be manu - factured from the concentrate and other materials at the Company’s proposed advanced graphite mate - rials manufacturing facility expected to be located in Washington State. The Company intends to make a production decision on the Project upon the completion of a Feasibility Study.
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Fall 2023
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Spring 2023
The Alaska Miner
Usibelli Coal Mine earns historic safety milestone
worked 1,000 consecutive days with- out a lost-time accident, the company announced Sept. 6. "We are proud to celebrate 1,000 days without a lost time accident," said Joe Usibelli Jr., president of Usi - belli Coal Mine. "This achievement
reflects our commitment to safe - ty as a core value and the founda- tion of our company culture. Every team member is accountable for their safety and the safety of their fellow coal miners." Usibelli is the only active coal mine in Alaska and the state’s old- est continuously operating mine. The company is committed to ex - cellence in safety and sustainability, The mining industry demands the highest safety standards, and Usibelli Coal Mine has consistently demon- strated its dedication to ensuring a secure work environment for all em- ployees. As a family-owned business for over 80 years, its values prioritize safety, health, and prosperity for its employees and the surrounding com - munity. The milestone comes from the mine's pursuit of safety excellence through training programs, safety protocols, and regular safety assess - ments, the company said in a state - ment. The mine is one of eleven na- tionwide to have received CORESafety certification from the National Min - ing Association in 2020. By implementing CORESafety and the mine's internal "Everyday Safety – At Work. At Home. At Play." cam - paign, employees are empowered to be safety leaders, fostering a collab- orative approach to identifying and mitigating potential hazards. "I also want to thank the families of our employees who support and encour - age a commitment to Everyday Safety and for supporting their loved ones to maintain a safety-first mindset," Usinelli said. . In addition to achieving this mile - stone, Usibelli Coal Mine said it re- mains dedicated to being stewards of the environment by using sus- tainable mining practices. The mine continues to invest in advanced tech- nologies and best practices to ensure its operations align with the highest environmental standards. "Beyond our commitment to safe - ty, we also recognize our responsi - bility to the environment and the
1,000 days worked by employees without a lost-time accident
Usibelli Coal Mine employees have
LIGHT UP COAL MINERS ALASKA
USIBELLI.COM
The foundation of Interior Alaska's economy is built on a powerful rock - coal. Alaskans save hundreds of millions of dollars by relying on coal, our most abundant and affordable source of energy. For more than 75 years, the people of Usibelli Coal Mine have proudly provided light and warmth to Alaskans.
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communities we serve," said Usibelli. "We strive to leave a positive legacy for future generations." Mine em- ployees are working towards achiev - ing a new all-time safety record this December. Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc., based in Healy, Alaska, is a family-owned and operated coal mining company with a history dating back to 1943. The company produces a sub-bitu - minous coal that is very low in sulfur, a major source of air pollution in many parts of the nation. Usibelli produced about 1 million tons of coal yearly and supplies six power plants in Interi - or Alaska. Coal is shipped from the mine in Healy to power plants at Clear Air Force Station, where the nation’s largest ballistic missile detection ra- dar is located; to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and power plants at Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base east of Fairbanks. A power plant in downtown Fair - banks owned and operated by Aurora Energy, a Usibelli affiliate, also uses coal from the mine. The Aurora plant also supplies steam heat for buildings and residential home in downtown Fairbanks Coal is the lowest cost source of energy in the region and is
Photo Courtesy Usibelli Coal Mine
Usibelli is the state’s oldest continuously operating mine.
reliable in its supply, a critical factor in Interior Alaska where the certainty is important, particularly during cold months of the year. Usibelli strives to be a responsi - ble steward of the environment and
an active contributor to Alaska's economic growth and development, while prioritizing safety, sustain - ability, and community engagement, the company said in its Sept. 6 state - ment.
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In each issue of the Alaska Miner, we profile a mem - ber of Alaska’s mining industry. In this issue, we talk with Jeremy Whitmore, lifelong miner and President of Juneau Gold Rush Days. Faces of Mining What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? Our safety and the environment are top priorities, and everything else takes second place. Take pride in what you do, and hard work brings great rewards in life. What would you do differently? I would have looked at mining as a long-term career sooner. When you are 18 years old all you see is the pay - check and the now, not the future.
Jeremy Whitmore President of Juneau Gold Rush Days BY LEE LESCHPER Who was your mentor in this industry and what did they teach you that remains true today? I have been very fortunate in my career to have many mentors and cannot single out one person. There will be many more along the way. Up to this point in my career I would name Tom Henderson, Pete Kuhn, Jerry Harmon, and Mark Kiessling. The lessons that resonated with me are: n Bring a solution, not just a problem. n Everyone is a resource (listen, learn and give feed- back). n We all had to start at the bottom so never take it for granted.
CONTINUED on PAGE 18
Jeremy drilling during the 2022 Juneau Gold Rush Days. He has been involved in the annual celebration of mining for more than 20 years and serves as the current President.
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Faces of Mining
Photos Courtesy Jeremy Whitmore Jeremy volunteering for the United Way of Southeast Alaska’s annual Day of Caring. Jeremy has worked in the mining industry for more than 25 years. He says Juneau Gold Rush Days, right, plays an important role in educating non-miners about the industry, while having a lot of fun.
just a few. The one thing I tell ev - eryone that is special to Alaska is the willingness of our communities to help each other. You are president of Gold Rush Days in Juneau … what’s the significance of that event? That is correct. Juneau Gold Rush Days is an event where we can show- case the Past, Present, and Future of mining. Help educate the community in which we live about the important industry that helped shape our region. Help support our Juneau community schools and Juneau Shrine Club with donations that we raise from different events. Bringing miners, loggers, and community members together from all over Southeast Alaska. Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? I think our future is in technology
innovation through automation, au- tonomous equipment, and predictive asset maintenance. I hope that we can be proactive and reduce the risk to our biggest assets — our employees and the environment. What do you see as our biggest chal- lenges? And opportunities? There is a generation gap within the mining community. We need to educate the communities, especially our youth, about career opportunities that mining has to offer. Most peo - ple not already involved in mining don’t realize that the diversity of ca - reer options mining has to offer. Most just think of mining as either under - ground or in an open pit. There are opportunities in great careers such as Mechanics, Electricians, Safety, Environmental, Water Treatment, CONTINUED on PAGE 20
What was one experience you will never forget? Taking the leap and working in Guyana for a year teaching the locals about Mine Rescue and Underground Mining. What do you love most about this business? And about Alaska? Being part of the mining indus - try is like having an extended fam- ily. We look out for each other and our environment. We give back to our community by donating our time and resources. This comes in so many ways- reading books to el- ementary kids, educating our youth through school programs, serving Thanksgiving dinners with Salvation Army, helping put on community events, keeping our community clean through the state’s Adopt-a Highway program, awarding scholarships, and supporting local sports programs are
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The Alaska Miner
Faces of Mining
Photos Courtesy Jeremy Whitmore This iconic photo of a younger Jeremy, at the portal of Kensington Mine, was taken more than a decade ago. Jeremy, right, with his daughters Arramina, Marzena and Vespasia.
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Accounting, Community and Government Affairs, In - formation Technology, Purchasing, Warehouse, Tech - nical Services, Human Resources, and Metallurgy just to name a few. We need to find a way to engage and educate the youth in all the successful career paths that mining has to offer.
Water & sewage treatment systems for mineral, tourism, fishing, and energy projects in Alaska
What keeps you awake at night? Just about everything. I have three daughters.
What does AMA mean to you? It’s an association for resources and education on current industry issues and the challenges our state faces in resource development What do you do for fun? Our family enjoys being out on the boat either on weekend trips or week-long trips. Enjoy hunting and fishing. Anything else you want to share? This year in December, my wife, Ursula, and I will celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary. We have three beautiful daughters: Vespasia, 21, is in her last year of college at UAS and is studying to be a third-generation teacher; Marzena, 16, is going into her junior year of high school and loves being in the band and plays hockey; and Arramina, 12, is going into her eighth-grade year, is a green belt in karate, studies weapons and helps teach the little dragons at Juneau Karate Academy.
907-458-7024 info@lifewaterengineering.com
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SANDVIK Crushing and Surface Drill Dealer for Washington and Alaska.
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Contact Craig Thomas craigert@tylerrental.com (907) 617-1669
OPINION: EPA’s Pebble action sets unfair precedent Decision interferes with Alaska’s ability to manage its own lands
BY KATI CAPOZZI, TESSA AXELSON, KAREN MATTHIAS, DEANTHA SKIBINSKI, REBECCA LOGAN, ALICIA AMBERG AND LEILA KIMBRELL F or more than a decade, there has been a lot written on these pages about the Pebble project and its interactions with the Environmental Protection Agency. Gov. Mike Dunleavy recently filed suit against the EPA over its actions to block the project and foreclose economic opportunity on nearly 200,000 acres of land owned by the state of Alaska. Some have questioned this litigation. It is important to outline the critical importance of this lawsuit and why so many in the business community care a great deal about it. To begin, the issue is about process and the rules of the game for making decisions about resource devel- opment in Alaska. Businesses make decisions about investing in Alaska and our economy for a variety of reasons but among the most important is wheth - er there is a clear and fair process for a company to
follow. In a normal process for many resource development projects, the applicant files for a permit with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or USACE, under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, aka CWA. This usually triggers a full review of the project via the environmental im - pact statement process. The EPA and other federal agencies participate in the EIS review and provide important technical input. If the USACE grants a permit the EPA disagrees with, the CWA grants the EPA the ability to veto the deci - sion. These vetoes have been rarely used since the pas - sage of the CWA as federal agencies attempt to work through significant differences. With Pebble, things got off the rails in this process when the EPA went outside the norm and began its attempt to preemptively block the project before there
CONTINUED on PAGE 24
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at the core of the state’s challenge. It is important to emphasize that the state is not the appli - cant in this situation, yet the EPA has effectively said to the state that it cannot develop its lands as was first envisioned in the Alaska Statehood Act. This is a de facto taking and we should all be very concerned. It is worth noting that Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, who have expressed opposition to Peb - ble, have also expressed their op - position to the use of the preemp - tive veto against Pebble by the EPA for many of the reasons outlined in the state’s challenge. When we take Pebble out of this discussion, we see a federal agen- cy seeking to use authority it was not granted under the CWA. EPA has decided it can act as a zoning agency for state-owned lands. This further precludes the state’s ability to make decisions about lands it selected under the Alaska State- hood Act. From the perspective of the business and resource commu- nity, this issue is about whether
any project can get fair treatment in Alaska, because once an extraor- dinary precedent has been estab - lished, it becomes much easier for the bureaucracy and those who oppose development Alaska to use it again and again. — Kati Capozzi is president and CEO of the Alaska Chamber
PEBBLE, CONTINUED from PAGE 23
was even a mine plan. The EPA just made one up and then declared that their mine plan could not be permitted. This action was on again and off again based on political winds in Washington, D.C. The veto was fi - nalized under a Biden administra - tion, which is reluctant to permit any major mines despite the crit - icality of mining, including Peb- ble’s copper, to its climate-change focused renewable energy goals. In addition to stopping Pebble, this EPA action interferes with the state’s ability to manage its lands — an action that violates the deal Alaska made when it entered the union and was granted access to land selections for the purpose of establishing an economy for the state. It also violates the “no more” clause of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which put tens of millions of acres of Alaska’s lands into parks and wilderness areas. These issues are
— Tessa Axelson is executive director of the Alaska Forest Association
— Karen Matthias is executive director of Alaska Metal Mines — Deantha Skibinski is executive di- rector of the Alaska Miners Association — Rebecca Logan is president and CEO of the Alaska Support Industry Alliance — Alicia Amberg is executive director of Associated General Contractors of Alaska — Leila Kimbrell is executive director of the Resource Development Council for Alaska
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Photo Courtesy Pebble Limited Partnership
Whether you need geophysical, geological or exploration support services, our ideas, experience and northern expertise mean you’ll have the best thinking on your project. Go ahead – pick our brains.
Arctic engineering and environmental services.
We help mines thrive.
yellowknife • whitehorse • juneau
Victor Ross (907) 521-3588 victor.ross@stantec.com Steve Reidsma, PWS (907) 347-5215 steve.reidsma@stantec.com
www.aurorageosciences.com
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Welcome to this year's AMA Convention!
in AMA's core shack before, to show off their core and discuss results with interested attendees. Industry professionals interested in displaying core and results from mineral exploration and development projects are invited to present at the Core Shack. In addition, reactivated mines, extensions, or satellite to existing operations are encouraged participants, particularly where new results are generating interest in future development potential of the project. Hand samples, maps, charts, and other technical information are also welcome. The Prospectors’ Tent on Tuesday and Wednesday will again feature independent prospectors or early- exploration projects displaying their mineral prospects and discoveries. Providing a venue for prospectors to share their discoveries is an important opportunity that may lead to new discoveries, prospects, and partnerships in Alaska. And share the good news of this convention! AMA’s convention posts on social media are intended for you to re- post, share with colleagues and friends, and tell others where you're going to be the week of Nov. 6-9. We'd love to see them walk through our tradeshow and support our vendors and sponsors. We hope you enjoy the convention preview we’ve included in these next few pages. New information is updated daily on our website: www. alaskaminers.org/convention. We’ll see you at the Convention!
Members and Friends of the
Alaska Miners Association:
It’s time for another great convention! I want to welcome you and your company to the 2023 Alaska Miners Association Annual Convention and Trade Show, Nov. 6-9 at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage. You’ll find valuable information about this year’s convention in the following pages of the Alaska Miner Magazine. You know what makes this a great event — more than 1,000 attendees from all sectors of our industry, many great networking events, the largest mining trade show in the state, representatives from all operating mines and potential mining development projects in Alaska, educational short courses and technical sessions, and so much more. Our theme this year is “Miners for Generations.” Following the Trade Show Supplier’s Reception Tuesday, Nov. 6, will be a “Young opportunity for our experienced sourdough professionals to meet and network with our cheechako professionals. They are the future of Alaska mining. We will offer three excellent short courses Monday, Nov. 6. Short Course #1 Geochemical Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Practical Applications for the Mineral Industry, Short Course #2 Alaska Geology and Minerals 101 and Short Course #3 WOTUS in Alaska. There is limited space for these courses so sign up early at AlaskaMiners.org/convention. During the convention Nov. 7-9 we are offering dual Professionals” event in the Core Shack area. This is an
exploration projects, mine operations, mineral investigations by the USGS & DGGS, environmental and policy-focused sessions, and many more technical presentations. We also have keynote speakers at all our luncheons that you will enjoy, as well as a wealth of vendors and sponsors to network within the trade show during coffee breaks. There are a few remaining booth spaces and sponsorship opportunities available to showcase your company before the industry. This is a great way to give your company and products maximum exposure in front of the “who’s who” of mining in Alaska. Email Jennifer Luiten at jennifer@ alaskaminers.org. Thank you to all our sponsors! Underwriting this event ensures it will be successful, and your sponsorship dollars also help sustain AMA and its efforts year-round to promote a vibrant mining industry for Alaska. This year, Mining Hall of Fame inductions will be Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7-9 p.m. at the Downtown Marriott Hotel. And the AMA Board of Directors meeting is on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. The Core Shack provides a showcase for participants of projects that are generating new results, or have not participated
Kevin Adler Convention Committee
tracks of technical session presentations highlighting
Chairman
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n Trade Show Exhibitors, Page 35 n Convention Discounts, Page 37 n Awards Banquet, Page 40
n Trade Show Map, Page 28-29 n Convention Schedule, Page 30 n Convention Sponsors, Page 34
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ARG Industrial Equipment Source, Inc.
NASCO Industrial Services and Supply LLC (aka NISS)
HEAVY EQUIPMENT VENDORS Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC Lifewater Engineering Company
7th Avenue TABLE TOP VENDORS Baroid Industrial Drilling Products BGC Engineering, Inc. Cummins Inc. Minto Development Corporation Momar, Inc.
RAM Enterprise, Inc. SMS Equipment Inc. Alaska Mining & Diving Supply
Rain for Rent AKHIRE, Inc. IG Drilling VIGNAL ABL USA Inc
Momova
Lobby
Lobby
Registration
Show Office
Coat Check
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20’x40’ SMS Equipment
Equipment Source 20’x40’
CMI
CMI
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Coffee/Snack
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AK Mining & Diving 10’x30’
30’x40’
Core Shac &
Multi-functional space: Lunch, vendor theater
Prospectors
6’
8’x24’x30”
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8th Avenue Loading Area
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North of 60 Mining News 49th Freight Alaska State Science and Engineering Fair Advanced Supply Chain International, LLC
Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining 12 Horst Expediting & Remote Operations, Inc. 32 Hy-Tech Drilling 111 IMDEX 27 Industrial Pumps of Alaska 53 Inlet Energy 64 Integrated Power Services 29 JCM Industries, Inc. 51 JENNMAR 62 JH Fletcher & Co. 56 Kuna Engineering 57 Lynden 97 Major Drilling 74 Mining and Petroleum Training Service 94 Minn-Alaska Transport LLC Motion & Flow Control Products 67 MTA 24 NC Machinery 107, 108 NMS 118 Northern Star Resources (Pogo) LLC Orica USA Inc 60, 66 Osborne Construction Company 63 Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp 109 Petro Marine 88 Power the Future 59 Republic Services 95 RESPEC 115 Roughstock Mining Services 75 Ruen Drilling Inc 85 Sample Archive System, Inc. 143 Samson Tug & Barge Co., Inc. 83 Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology 34 SLR International Corporation 100 Solmax 1 Soloy Helicopters, LLC 72 Sophie Station Suites 5 South32 71 SRK Consulting 36 Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 116 State of Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys 130 State of Alaska, DNR Division of Mining, Land & Water 129 Surveyors Exchange Co 81 Techline Alaska 25 TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc. 86 Thyssen Mining Inc. 87 TOTE Maritime Alaska 69 TTT Environmental, LLC 91 Weir Minerals North America 102 WSP 58 Xerxes 20 Zonge International Inc. 140
VENDORS
BOOTH NO.
Acrow Corp of America ACZ Laboratories, Inc.
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61 AES-Talent Solutions (an ASRC Energy Services Company) AIDEA 136 Airgas 142 Alaska Aggregate Products , LLC 125 Alaska Airlines 133 Alaska Business 16 Alaska Dreams, Inc. 114 Alaska Earth Sciences 92 Alaska Energy Metals 104 Alaska Industrial Hardware, Inc. 17 Alaska Midnight Sun Drilling Inc. 120 Alaska Minerals Inc. 82 Alaska Petroleum Dist. Inc 65 Alaska Railroad 30 Alaska Resource Education 7 Alaska Roteq 151 Alaska Steel, Co. 23 Alaska Support Industry Alliance 134 ALS Geochemistry 103 Alyeska Tire 50 Ambler Metals 96 Arctic Winter Games 55 Arcticom LLC, a BSNC Company 124 Aspen Hotels of Alaska 80 Automatic Welding & Supply Corp. 84 Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. 117 Beckwith & Kuffel, Inc. / Delta P Pump 10 Belzona Technology Northwest BLM Minerals 137 Boart Longyear 78 Boreal Environmental Services 70 Brenntag Pacific, Inc. 139 Brooks Range Supply 119 Bureau Veritas Minerals 112 Contech Engineered Solutions LLC 68 Delta Industrial Services Fairbanks LLC 98 Denali Industrial Supply, Inc 77 DGI Geoscience US Inc. 141 Donlin Gold LLC 135 Dyno Nobel Inc. 4 Elemetal Direct 73 Energy Laboratories Inc. 76 Equity Geoscience, Ltd. 93 ERM Alaska, Inc. 99 Felix Gold Ltd & Wiseman Metals 79 Ferguson Industrial 101 Fireweed Strategies LLC 52 Frontier Supply 89, 90 Fuller Brothers/Tire Life 14 Global Services, Inc. 18
107108
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