Faces of Mining
Lorali Simon Vice President, External Affairs, Usibelli Coal Mine & AMA President
Lorali Simon has been in leadership roles with AMA for several years and took office as AMA president at the fall 2023 convention. We wanted to tell you more about the woman leading AMA for these next two years.
Who was your mentor in this in- dustry and what did they teach you that remains true today? I have two mentors in the min- ing industry. John Shively has been a mentor to me since 1998. I was a legislative aide, and he was DNR Commissioner. I haven’t made a professional move yet without first seeking his counsel. He has become a dear friend. Joe Usibelli, Jr., my current boss, is one of the smartest people I know. I admire his modus operandi that “steady wins the day.” What brought you to mining in the first place? I was the House Resources Committee Aide in the late nine- ties. I loved learning about natural resource management, specifically energy related issues. I always ad- mired and respected Usibelli Coal Mine as an Alaskan, family-owned company. When an opportunity arose for me to work for them, I jumped on it. What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? Do not give up. Do not be dis- couraged. The world is relying on our products, even if they don’t understand how important we are in their daily lives. What would you do differently? I would have started working for Usibelli Coal Mine much earlier in my career! What was one experience you will never forget? The best times were my first two years at Usibelli when we were working on the feasibility study for the Wishbone Hill project. It was so exciting. What do you love most about this business? And about Alaska? Mining is a close community.
Lorali with Ulu and her husband, Regg, enjoys a variety of outdoor pursuits.
The friendships I’ve made through the Alaska Miners Association are friendships I’ll have for the rest of my life. No one loves Alaska more than Alaskans. No one wants to protect Alaska more than Alaskans. Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? Fifty years ago, only one ma-
jor mine that is in existence to- day, Usibelli, was operating and it has since been joined by five other world class mines. Without a doubt Alaska has an abundance of criti- cal and essential minerals that the world demands, and utilizing our
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The Alaska Miner
Winter 2024
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