INSIDE THIS ISSUE n Meet Some of Our AMA Members n BLM Rewriting Land Management Rules n Faces of Mining: Danny and Betty Twitchell n Graphite One Gains Momentum Summer 2023 Volume 51, Number 7 The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska AlaskaMiners.org Alaska's Mining Families Donlin’s Danny and Betty Twitchell
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direct conflict with the Biden Administration’s own imperatives to improve the production of critical minerals in the U.S., instead of relying on sources from adversarial nations. It defies logic, but if anything, that makes it all the more threatening. So, you might say we're wearing two hats — one spreading good news and the other fighting off the bad. We try every summer in this magazine to also give you a glimpse of some of your fellow members in the industry who do a world-class job every day developing our resources, taking care of each other and protecting Alaskans and the environment. I will confess, I always get both awestruck and a bit emotional when I see and read their stories, and appreciate how lucky we are to have the people we do in this industry. The work continues. This month we’ll be starting our regular branch meetings again, leading up to November’s annual convention. I hope to see you there soon! Deantha Skibinski AMA Executive Director Dear Alaska Miners, What a summer! At first, we weren’t even sure we’d see a summer! And when it did finally arrive, it was mixed with a storm of challenges to our industry, which frankly kept us from enjoying the beautiful days, lots of salmon and some great pro-mining events all over the state. As you'll see in the pages of this issue of the Alaska Miner, and many social media posts, we've been everywhere! We've had many opportunities at the several state fairs to spread the good news about Alaska mining and meet face-to-face with the Alaskan communities we serve. It is heartwarming and gratifying to meet regular Alaska families who understand and appreciate what you do, who realize that iPhones and most other conveniences and necessities of modern life don’t run on fairy dust but require minerals like those we mine every day in Alaska. We also, in concert with AK Metal Mines (formerly known as the Council of Alaska Producers) had the great privilege of providing tours for many of our Alaska legislators and their staffs, to three of our interior Alaska mines. And a huge thanks to all the great people at Kinross Alaska (Fort Knox Mine), Northern Star Resources (Pogo Mine) and Usibelli Coal Mine for welcoming our elected officials and for helping showcase their mines, people and safety standards. For our representatives to act wisely on issues related to mining, it’s critical they see firsthand who we are and what we do. That was the fun part. Not as much fun, we've also spent literally hundreds of hours drafting comments in defense of Alaska mining and you against the newest round of federal attempts to make our job harder. As you'll see also in this magazine, your federal oversight committee and your Board of Directors crafted extensive responses and comments to the nearest attempt by the Bureau of Land Management to change the rules for mining nationwide, with particularly onerous impacts on Alaska and Alaskans. Starting on Page 8, you'll see a condensed version of more than 10,000 words in response to the new BLM proposals, which are nothing less than a bureaucratic end run around Congress, existing mining law and the sacred rights granted Alaska Natives through ANILCA. All under the guise of attempting to fix problems and perceived threats that don’t exist. And in Executive Director’s Report Summer 2023 The Alaska Miner 1
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Summer 2023 The Alaska Miner 3 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. Fall 2023 Annual Anchorage Convention Winter 2024 Legislative and Season Preview Spring 2024 Project Updates Summer 2024 People in Mining Ted Hawley Anchorage Richard Sivils Denali Ken Hall Fairbanks Liz Cornejo Haines Jim Clark Juneau Houston Morris Kenai Ken Hughes Nome Robert Fithian Ketchikan/Prince of Wales Deantha Skibinski Executive Director Jennifer Luiten Membership and Fundraising Director Darlene Strickland Bookkeeping and Membership EXECUTIVE BOARD EDITORIAL CALENDAR ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION STAFF 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 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. 2 Executive Director’s Report 4 Letter From President Bartly Kleven 6 Donlin Gold Aids Flood Victims 8 AMA Comments on BLM Rules 16 Faces of Mining: Danny and Betty Twitchell 22 Alaska Railroad Celebrates Centennial 29 Alaska Mining Benefits 2023 34 Profile: TEMSCO Helicopters 36 Profile: Alaska Minerals 42 Profile: TOTE Maritime 44 Newest Mining Business and Service Directory TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE COVER: Danny Twitchell and his daughter Betty work for Donlin Gold. Photo Courtesy Danny Twitchell THIS PAGE: AMA Membership Director Jennifer Luiten and longtime board member and miner Paul Manuel at Paul's mine this summer. Photo Courtesy Jennifer Luiten The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska
President’s Message From Bartly Kleven "As you read about your fellow miners, I hope it gives you the same sense of pride and respect these stories give me. There’s no easy day in Alaska mining, and the simple truth that our miners do important work safely and with integrity." This summer issue of The Alaska Miner, as has become our tradition, is dedicated to our members and Alaska’s miners. Each summer, we take time to profile and recognize Alaska Miners Association members, who are the lifeblood of our industry. This is one effort to put a face on Alaska mining: dedicated corporate citizens, Alaska families and hard-working professionals. During COVID, when we had to cancel our critical fundraising events, many of our members stepped forward to provide financial support. When we came out of the pandemic the AMA Executive Committee tasked a subcommittee to analyze membership rates and to provide recommendations that would provide stability for the organization going forward. Ultimately, the AMA Board of Directors adopted a new rate structure that is in line with other trade associations in Alaska. Increased rates were proposed and our membership stepped forward to increase their contributions. To each and every one of these amazing companies and individuals, “Thank You!” As you read about your fellow miners, I hope it gives you the same sense of pride and respect these stories give me. There’s no easy day in Alaska mining, and the simple truth that our miners do important work safely and with integrity. In particular, I hope you enjoy our Faces of Mining profile of Danny Twitchell and his daughter Betty, working together at Donlin Gold. Danny has been recognized in the past for his great work as a local son, giving back to his community, but his greatest achievement may be raising his family to respect and give back as he has done. Young people are the future of our industry, as well as our state, and we hope Betty is part of our next generation of miners. We are also well along in planning for our biggest event of the year, our annual convention in Anchorage this Nov. 6-9. We are actively gathering sponsorship and trade show exhibitors, as well as speakers, for the biggest mining show in Alaska. If you’ve yet to join this group of elite AMA partners, please consider doing so. The need for a strong AMA has never been greater. If you follow the updates from Deantha, you appreciate that staff and our association leadership have been burning the midnight oil, providing well-crafted comments to the never-ending stream of new Federal actions that could negatively impact all Alaskans, whether Thank you for being the lifeblood of mining The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 4
EVs and UAVs... Laptops and LEDs... Smartphones, solar cells and satellites... A revolution in materials science is changing our world. Graphite is at the center of that revolution. Graphite One: America’s Complete Advanced Graphite Supply Chain Solution Graphite One Tech Materials for Global Ingenuity www.GraphiteOneInc.com America’s Supply Chain for the Electrification of Everything Summer 2023 The Alaska Miner 5 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! they are miners or not. The Federal challenges continue and threaten our ability to develop Alaska resources and produce minerals, including critical minerals, that the United States is sourcing from unfriendly countries. (As I write this, there are 11 Russian and Chinese warships near the Aleutian Islands). Many of these countries have little to no regard for human rights or environmental protections. As you’ll read in this magazine, new attempts by the BLM to rewrite the way our lands are managed disregard more than a century of mining law, as well as the core principles of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement. The current administration is pushing for a new green energy economy while blocking the mining of the very minerals needed to build the infrastructure. A robust and active AMA is more critical than ever. I hope it has been a productive, enjoyable summer for you. Be safe out there and we will see you this fall!
The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 6 Looking for a past issue? Issues of The Alaska Miner and The Alaska Miner Journal are available online at www.alaskaminers.org/monthly-journal. For complimentary printed copies, or to set up your complimentary subscription, email admin@fireweedstrategies.com. When ice jams flooded Crooked Creek in mid-May, the team from Donlin Gold sprang into action to help neighbors and provide as much relief as possible. The flood caused damage to critical structures, including the hospital and school, and displaced homes. People were flooded out of shelter and some even trapped, cut off from the rest of the village by ice. Water contamination and power outage led to the loss of stored traditional food. The community store was also inundated with water, leaving Crooked Creek in urgent need of food, clean water, fuel, and generators. Along with state assistance, Donlin Gold and other organizations with crews based nearby jumped into action. They worked with the American Red Cross to shelter and feed those impacted by flooding. With the runway partially submerged, a Donlin helicopter especially came in handy. Donlin employees unloaded food, bottled water, communication equipment and shelter supplies. The gold project team also helped get the word out about The Kuskokwim Corporation’s food drive to help replenish the traditional foods that were lost. When disaster strikes, we are reminded that Alaskans are resilient, strong and take care of each other. Thank you to all who have helped, from delivering food, dry goods, and bedding, to the pilots who transported goods and supplies, to those who loaded and unloaded supplies between flights. “The health and safety of our Y-K community is our top priority — and we are incredibly proud to be part of it. We are continuing our relief efforts and will share updates and other ways the community can help on our social media pages,” Donlin said in its quarterly newsletter. Donlin aids Crooked Creek flood victims Photo by Jennifer Wallace, Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management In this aerial photo, chunks of ice follow flooding from an ice jam in Crooked Creek. Donlin Gold provided major rescue and recovery aid to the community when ice jams along two Alaska rivers unleashed major flooding through the community in May.
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The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 8 Editor’s note: In July AMA commented at length to Tracy Stone-Manning, Director of the Bureau of Land Management, opposing proposed BLM Conservation and Landscape Health Proposed Rule, 88 Fed. Reg. 19583. AMA board and committee members worked countless hours to craft our total comments, which covered more than 10,000 words, but here is a summary: AMA recommends that BLM withdraw the proposed rule as it is not needed, is not consistent with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), would require Congressional action and thus exceeds BLM’s authority to promulgate, and would be detrimental to the mineral industry in Alaska. If the rule is not withdrawn, BLM lands in Alaska should be exempt from the rule as the rule is inconsistent with, and potentially in violation of, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), passed by Congress in 1980. If Alaska is included, it is undeniable that there would be significant impacts on our members and their ability to develop the critical and strategic mineral supplies our nation desperately needs and BLM must fulfill its legal obligations to do an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It is also undeniable that the Proposed Rule fundamentally changes how the United States government manages millions of acres of BLM lands in Alaska without Congressional authorization. The planning processes in these areas are well evolved and such changes would take years to implement by local staff that are already overwhelmed by their current commitments. Such on the ground implementation challenges and the realities of how they would affect minerals and other important uses of BLM lands are ignored in the Proposal Rule and must be considered before any rule is finalized. The cost of this regulation would be staggering in terms of its economic impacts and its costs of implementation and thus requires Congressional action. The Supreme Court also outlined the “major questions doctrine” to affirm that federal agencies must have clear Congressional authority when regulations issues of importance to the American public. The Proposed Rule will absolutely have “vast economic and political significance” and would govern land use across millions of acres of public lands. That Congress has chosen not to enact the rule BLM seeks to promulgate here is seen from the fact that in 2016 Congress nullified the similar “Planning 2.0 Rule” that was nullified pursuant to the Congressional Review Act and meets both the two requirements to be considered a major question. The Proposed Rule violates and is inconsistent with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. While the Proposed Rule references the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), it fundamentally violates FLPMA in multiple ways, including n illegally adding “conservation” as a “use” when Congress did not include it in FLPMA’s specific list of uses (FLPMA Section 103(l)); n redefining key terms already defined by Congress in FLPMA, “multiple use” and “sustained yield” (FLPMA Section 103(c and h)); n contorting the scope and definition of “areas of critical environmental concern” beyond FLPMA’s scope and n using current Administration “conservation,” “restoration,” and “ecosystem resilience” policies to impermissibly withdraw public lands from public use in violation of FLPMA § 204. The Proposed Rule also revises the framework for establishing Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (“ACEC”). Finally with regards to FLPMA, the Proposed Rule creates inconsistencies with BLM’s 43 CFR 3809 mining regulations per FLPMA’s mandate that mining activities must prevent unnecessary or undue degradation (UUD). The Proposed Rule is inconsistent with the Mining Law. The Proposed Rule substantively conflicts with the Mining Law. FLPMA expressly amends the Mining Law, in a very intentionally narrow and limited way. The Mining Law authorizes and governs the exploration, discovery, and development of valuable minerals, and allows citizens of the United States the opportunity to enter, use and occupy public lands open to location to explore for, discover, and develop certain valuable mineral deposits. Per NEPA, the BLM must prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Rule. Yet in the Federal Register notice for the Proposed Rule, BLM states that it intends to apply the Department’s Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) provisions and that BLM is not required to prepare a NEPA document, either an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), to assess the impacts of this proposed rule. AMA's comments on proposed BLM rules CONTINUED on PAGE 10
January 2021 The Alaska Miner 9
The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 10 Learn more at DonlinGold.com Our commitment to hire local employees and vendors ensures a positive economic impact for our community. BLM, CONTINUED from PAGE 8 Alaska-Specific comments on the Proposed Rule AMA advocates for the multiple use management of BLM Public Lands, consistent with FLPMA. AMA has long advocated for making BLM lands in Alaska available for mining exploration and development. AMA has also stressed the importance of BLM lands in providing access both to resources on BLM lands, and even more significantly, the importance of BLM lands in providing access to state and private lands, including Alaska Native Corporation lands, in Alaska. RMPs for BLM’s Alaska lands have demonstrated that the existing federal statutes, regulations, and rules provide more than adequate protection for conservation of resources, additional restrictions on development in the proposed rule are not necessary. The Proposed Rule disregards and is in clear violation of ANILCA. ANILCA designated 135 million acres, approximately 60 percent of ALL Federal lands in Alaska into National Parks and Preserves, National Wildlife Refuges, and National Wilderness areas, and National Wildlife and Scenic Rivers. In addition to six BLM-managed Wild and Scenic Rivers, ANILCA set aside over two million acres of BLM lands as the Steese National Conservation Area and White Mountains National Recreation Area. Remaining BLM lands were intentionally left as multiple use lands, part of the balance of “public lands necessary and appropriate for more intensive use and disposition.” Congress, in 1980, determined that ANILCA provided the proper balance between conservation and resource development in Alaska. The failure to even acknowledge ANILCA requirements in the Proposed Rule is a major deficiency and reason for the Proposed Rule to be withdrawn, if not in its entirety than as it applies specifically to Alaska. The proposed rule proposes improper emphasis on designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) in the RMP process. BLM already over-emphasizes ACECs in its Alaska RMPs, both in terms of numbers and overly expansive scales of ACEC. This leads to unnecessary restrictions on non-conservation land uses in these areas. BLM’s existing designations of ACECs already fail to consider existing state and federal authorities for resource protection, particularly in ACEC designations based on fisheries. In Alaska, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has the primary function of ensuring protection of fisheries throughout the State as well as their uses, including for subsistence activities. Rules governing the criteria for determining and applying ACEC designations need reform. ACEC designations to date in Alaska are extremely inconsistent in size,
Summer 2023 The Alaska Miner 11 purpose, and documentation. NO statewide review has ever occurred to ensure that the interpretation of Relevance and Significance are applied consistently by different planning groups in different regions. This new proposed rule would only further this imbalance in application. The Relevance and Importance criteria which must be met to qualify for any ACEC designation should be reviewed and stringently defined based on the resources present in the entire planning area and not as individual areas. Existing RMPs governing BLM lands in Alaska more than adequately provide for conservation, including any possible designation of ACECs. Additional authority is not necessary. BLM manages 70 million acres of land and minerals in Alaska, plus millions of additional acres of mineral resources under other federal lands. Since the late 1960s, many of these lands have been off limits to mineral exploration and potential development due to withdrawals to enable the settlement of Native land claims that resulted in the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and ANILCA. Existing RMPs in Alaska have taken years to develop and adding the requirements of the proposed rule will further delay implementation of these plans. Most BLM lands in Alaska have approved Resource Management Plans — each has taken years, in some cases, decades to develop. This proposed rule would only add additional time to the already-difficult process. The proposed rule requires additional analysis and adds to the existing complexity and volume of BLM RMPs. The proposed rule fails to consider that BLM lands in Alaska are crucial in providing access to state and private lands. BLM lands in Alaska are crucial for providing access to state and private lands, and in many instances the only access to these lands is across BLM lands. Under the Statehood Act and other federal laws, the state was granted nearly 105 million acres. Under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Alaska Native Corporations were granted nearly 46 million acres. In addition, many Alaska communities are surrounded by federal lands with no developed overland access. The proposed rule would enable BLM to create barriers to building communication lines, roads, railroad, and pipeline access routes to these non-federal lands and communities. In Conclusion The Proposed Rule is inconsistent with law and unnecessary, especially in places like Alaska where the existing RMP process is working and there is no evidence of current or likely undue degradation of BLM lands. Therefore, AMA recommends that BLM withdraw it immediately. If the rule is not withdrawn, BLM lands in Alaska should be exempt from the rule.
The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 12 BY NORTH OF 60 MINING NEWS Alaska's attorney general has filed a motion asking the U.S. Supreme Court to instruct the EPA to correct its overstep in blocking development of the Pebble project. In January, the EPA issued its final determination for the Bristol Bay watershed in Southwest Alaska, known as a 404(c) veto, that not only prohibited permitting the Pebble project according to a 2020 mining plan but also restricted any future permitting to construct or operate a mine across a 300-squaremile region surrounding the worldclass Pebble copper deposit. "The EPA action usurps the State's ability and responsibility to protect its own natural resources," the Alaska Department of Law penned in its release. Issued by Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor, the motion for leave — essentially a legal procedure that asks the court permission to deviate from established rules — strongly argues that EPA's veto of the Pebble project is a breach of contract between Alaska and the United States, and violated the federal statutory recognition and implementation of the Cook Inlet Land Exchange. The motion also argues that EPA's veto violates the Administrative Procedure Act and is an unconstitutional taking without just compensation and, therefore, also seeks monetary damages for breach of contract. The U.S. Constitution gives states the right to seek direct jurisdiction in the U.S. Supreme Court for complaints against the federal government. It is anticipated that the Supreme Court could decide whether to hear this case as early as October. Alaska: Undo Pebble veto
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Graphite as a battery material 'essential for national defense' Graphite One (Alaska), Inc. was awarded a Department of Defense (“DoD”) Technology Investment Agreement grant of $37.5 million under Title III of the Defense Production Act (“DPA”), funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) in July. The funding objective of the DoD-Graphite One (Alaska) Technology Investment Agreement is to perform an accelerated Feasibility Study to modernize and expand domestic production capacity and supply for graphite battery anodes necessary for electronic vehicles and alternative energy batteries, as an essential national defense technology item. The DoD grant to Graphite One follows the designation of graphite as one of the battery materials deemed under the DPA law to be “essential to the national defense.” At present, the U.S. is 100% import-dependent for graphite, with China being the world’s leading producer. The DPA funding allows G1 to accelerate its Feasibility Study covering its Graphite Creek Project 35 miles north of Nome, Alaska. Graphite Creek was recently confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey to be the country’s largest known graphite resource, and “among the largest in the world.” “Graphite One is honored to receive this award from the Department of Defense, funded by the IRA, and we look forward to advancing our Feasibility Study program,” said Anthony Huston, founder and CEO of G1. “This Department of Defense grant underscores our confidence in our strategy to build a 100 percent U.S.-based advanced graphite supply chain — from mining to refining to recycling. The World Bank Group reports that the production of minerals, including graphite, could increase by 500% by 2050, to meet the growing demand for clean energy technologies.” “This investment to increase domestic capabilities for graphite exemplifies Industrial Base Policy’s commitment to building a resilient industrial base to meet current and future national defense requirements,” said Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, Department of Defense Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 14 Graphite One awarded $37.5M grant from DoD LIGHT UP COAL MINERS ALASKA 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. USIBELLI.COM
Providing innovative multidisciplinary services since 1979. 907.561.1011 | PNDENGINEERS.COM red dog road | northwest arctic borough, ak Summer 2023 The Alaska Miner 15 TIMBER EXPLORATION MINING SURVEY CARGO OPERATIONS TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc. PO Box 5057, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901 Phone 907-225-5141 Fax 907-225-2340 www.temscoair.com Serving all of Alaska since 1958 TEMSCO HELICOPTERS, INC. Policy. “The agreement with Graphite One (Alaska) is in furtherance of the Defense Department’s strategy for minerals and materials related to large-capacity batteries.” “Graphite One thanks Assistant Secretary of Defense Taylor-Kale and her DPA Title III team for their support of our proposal, and we look forward to commencing the program,” Mr. Huston continued. “All of us at Graphite One want to express our thanks for the strong support we’ve received from public officials whose mission it is to advance Alaska’s and America’s best interests,” said Mr. Huston. “Senator Lisa Murkowski, the thought leader in Congress on critical minerals policy from her position on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee — and an early advocate of designating graphite and the other battery materials as Defense Production Act Title III materials; Senator Dan Sullivan, the driving force behind a U.S. Arctic Strategy from his position on the Senate Armed Services Committee with his past service as Alaska’s Director of the Department of Natural Resources; Congresswoman Mary Peltola, member of the House Natural Resources Committee and a strong proponent of domestic resource development — and of course the late Don Young, Dean of the House and from the very first, a strong supporter of our project. At the state level, Graphite One thanks Governor Mike Dunleavy for nominating us as a High-Priority Infrastructure Project, and for his commitment to making Alaska a leader in critical minerals development.” “We also want to thank President Biden and his White House staff for the decision to designate graphite and the battery materials as DPA Title III materials, underscoring their importance for the national economy and national security,” Huston said. The total amount covered under the Technology Investment Agreement to fund the accelerated completion of the Feasibility Study is approximately $75 million of which the DOD’s share is $37.5 million and the Company’s share is $37.5 million. Graphite One’s Supply Chain Strategy With the United States currently 100 percent import dependent for natural graphite, Graphite One is planning to develop a complete U.S.-based, advanced graphite supply chain solution anchored by the Graphite Creek resource. The Graphite One project plan includes an advanced graphite material and battery anode manufacturing plant expected to be sited in Washington State integrated with the development of the 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. The Defense Production Act (the “DPA”) is intended to ensure that America has the resources, materials and technologies needed for national security. The DPA Title III program is dedicated to ensuring the timely availability of essential domestic industrial resources to support national defense and homeland security requirements now and in the future.
The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 16 BY LEE LESCHPER Danny: I started working in the environmental field for my tribe in Bethel (Orutsaramiut Native Council) in 2002 as the environmental coordinator and in 2004 I moved from ONC to the Native village of Napaimute in the same capacity as their Environmental Coordinator. As a coordinator for the tribe, we went to many informational meetings hosted by Donlin Gold. I was impressed with the effort and information shared by Donlin to keep the region informed. I started working for Donlin Gold in 2006 as an Environmental Specialist. When Donlin Gold started the EIS process and field work slowed down in 2014, I moved down to Northern Nevada and started working at Turquoise Ridge one of our Parent companies (Barrick Gold) underground gold mines. It was a great experience and I learned more in two years than I thought possible. I moved back to Alaska in 2016 and started working for Donlin Gold as a Community Relations Coordinator. At the time public speaking was scary to me but I agreed to work the position because I believe that Donlin Gold is a very good company and the economic opportunities a project like Donlin will have in our depressed region are needed. Being from the region I knew it was important to share good information with our people because there was so much misinformation being spread by NGO’s. In 2020 I switched back to the Environmental field for Donlin and I am currently the Environmental Field Coordinator and do shift work at Donlin Camp. In each issue of the Alaska Miner, we profile a member of Alaska’s mining industry. In this issue we talk with Danny and Betty Twitchell, father and daughter who have worked together at Donlin Gold. Faces of Mining CONTINUED on PAGE 18 Danny and Betty Twitchell Donlin Gold
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The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 18 Faces of Mining It’s been a great journey and a unique place to work! Tell us more about working together at Donlin … was it easier or harder than you expected and why? Having my daughter work out at Donlin with me was a dream come true. I looked forward to that day for a long time. I knew it would be rewarding to see my children working out at camp but to get to see my youngest daughter join the work force and come out of her shell and flourish the way she did was an amazing experience. Donlin provides opportunities for our young people to learn job skills while being immersed in a safety and stewardship culture that is second to none. What surprised you? How quickly Betty caught on. All my children have extremely good work ethic, but Betty certainly exceeded my expectations. And she took on every challenge with a great attitude and helped out in every department. Camp maintenance, Geology, Environmental, Health and Safety, as well as running our camp warehouse. She also became a very good operator. What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? Mining is an amazing industry with so many opportunities. If you are willing to work hard, learn, and adopt the safety and stewardship culture career opportunities are endless. What would you do differently? I would have started in the mining industry earlier! What was one experience you will never forget? The time I was stalked by a pack of wolves one winter at camp. But that’s a long story for another time. What do you love most about mining and about working for Donlin? The career opportunities that mining provides. Over the years I’ve worked with several different managers and leadership teams at Donlin and the one thing that never changed was our commitment to safety and stewardship. We have amazing owners, and they provide us with the tools and resources to operate at the highest level when it comes to safety and stewardship. FACES, CONTINUED from PAGE 16 CONTINUED on PAGE 20 Photos Courtesy Twitchell Family ABOVE: Danny Twitchell with his wife, Isha, daughter Bessie, son Daniel and daughter Betty. RIGHT: Danny and Betty with Catherine Kim, head geologist.
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Summer 2023 The Alaska Miner 21 Water & sewage treatment systems for mineral, tourism, fishing, and energy projects in Alaska 907-458-7024 info@lifewaterengineering.com Betty: Do you see a future working in mining? And what would you share with your peers? Absolutely. Be willing to work hard, keep a positive attitude and make safety and stewardship a priority! Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? Flourishing, I hope. Mining has come a long way in regard to mining methods and technology, being able to mine cleaner and safer is the goal and from what I have experienced we are already there. What does AMA mean to you? It is a place where knowledge can be shared, networking in the industry takes place and the industry is strengthened! What do you do for fun? I enjoy traditional sewing and beading, berry picking, hiking and hunting with my dad. Anything else you want to share? It has been so rewarding getting to work with my dad and experiencing the lifestyle working at Donlin that I heard so much about growing up. I often wondered what it was like to work at Donlin and do shift work in a camp. I am proud to be a part of the Donlin Team. FACES, CONTINUED from PAGE 18
The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 22 CONTINUED on PAGE 24 BY TIM BRADNER In its day, construction of the Alaska Railroad in the midst and aftermath of World War I was as defining an event as building of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System in the 1970s. Both were seen as national security infrastructure and key to opening access to natural resources — the Interior Alaska goldfields in the case of the railroad and newly-discovered North Slope oil fields in the case of the pipeline. There were key differences, of course. The pipeline was built and financed by private industry, North Slope oil producers Atlantic Richfield, BP, and Humble Oil (later ExxonMobil). The railroad was a government initiative, owned and operated by the federal government until it was purchased by the state of Alaska in 1985 for $22 million. President Woodrow Wilson had the vision to push this strategic infrastructure in 1914, as war clouds loomed in Europe, and to persuade a reluctant Congress to fund its estimated cost of $35 million. Construction began in 2015 with completion in 1923, one hundred years ago on July 15. President Warren G. Harding traveled to Alaska to drive a golden spike at Nenana, southwest of Fairbanks, to mark the completion. On his return trip, Harding died of food poisoning in San Francisco. The number of construction workers, peaking at 4,500 in 2017, was not to rival the 10,000 that worked on the pipeline, but the project had a huge impact on Alaska at the time and was to transform the then-territory. Anchorage, founded as a construction 1923-2023: The Alaska Railroad at 100 years Photos Courtesy Alaska Railroad
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The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 24 RAILROAD, CONTINUED from PAGE 22 camp in 1915, was to become its largest city. There were prior railroads, of course, regional lines built to support gold mines. The private Alaska Central Railway, later the Alaska Northern Railway, was built a few miles north from Seward. It later went bankrupt. The rail line was later acquired by the government to be part of the Seward-to-Fairbanks line. A regional 45-mile rail line from Fairbanks to nearby gold fields was also acquired, although this was mainly to obtain the rail terminal in Fairbanks. The government wanted the railroad to make money, but the territory’s economy was thin, at least in Interior and Southcentral Alaska, as gold mining declined. Seward, Anchorage and Fairbanks had combined populations of 5,400, not enough to generate a lot of business. In 1938, however, the railroad turned its first profit, and with the start of World War II its strategic importance was amply illustrated as military and civilian freight increased sharply, and so the President’s decision to build the railroad was justified. In the post-war years Congress appropriated $100 million for track rehabilitation to repair the effects of heavy wartime use. The railroad also started its streamlined passenger service between Anchorage and Fairbanks, a train dubbed Aurora, with blue and gold colors. This ushered in a new service catering to summer visitors as well as Alaskans and laid the foundation for the railroad’s important role in supporting the small but growing visitor industry. By 1953, however, there was growing competition from trucks and autos on highways that were being built or upgraded. Passenger service to and from Seward was discontinued, not to return until the present-day summer service supporting cruise ships calling at Seward. Whittier, built by the U.S. Army during World War II, was becoming important for the railroad, which reached the Prince William Sound community through tunnels built during the war. The first train-barge service from Whittier was established in 1964, enabling rail cars from anywhere in the Lower 48 to be brought to Alaska by sea and to reach any point along the Alaska Railroad. Earthquake damage on March 27, 1964, disrupted rail traffic but service was quickly restored. Freight service between Anchorage and Fairbanks resumed April 6 and to Whittier on April 20. Passengers were again traveling by April 11. The railroad again demonstrated its value in the 1970s, providing heavyhaul service to support construction of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. Rails had meanwhile been extended east of Fairbanks to Eielson Air Force Base, providing support to that installation, now home to the nation’s most advanced fighter-interceptors. Plans were made for further extensions east to Fort Greely, where the nation’s missile interceptors are based. That link has not yet been built but a bridge across the Tanana River was constructed as the first increment of the rail east. Today the bridge supports U.S. Army operations on training ranges south of the river. Today, the Alaska Railroad is under state ownership and continues to support the growth of Alaska’s economy.
Summer 2023 The Alaska Miner 25 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. www.aurorageosciences.com yellowknife • whitehorse • juneau Arctic engineering and environmental services. We help mines thrive. Victor Ross (907) 521-3588 victor.ross@stantec.com Steve Reidsma, PWS (907) 347-5215 steve.reidsma@stantec.com
The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 26 Our affiliated brands of companies include engineering services, resin manufacturing, rolled-steel and drillsteel manufacturing, custom steel fabrication, roof, miner and specialty bits, chemical roof support and sealing products, and even includes staffing solutions and our own trucking company. This ability to provide a complete range of complementary products and services ensures quality, efficiency and availability resulting in reduced costs, reduced lead times and increased customer satisfaction! GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS • PITTSBURGH, PA USA (412) 963-9071 • www.jennmar.com SUPPORTING THE WORLD AND YOU WITH SAFETY, SERVICE AND INNOVATION The Council of Alaska Producers, the statewide, nonprofit trade association representing Alaska’s large metal mines and several advanced projects, launched a new brand at the annual Mining Day celebration at the Alaska State Fair on Aug. 19. The group is now called Alaska Metal Mines (AKM) and is also beginning a public awareness campaign that highlights Alaska’s role in delivering the metals and minerals that make innovations possible and provide economic and community benefits to Alaskans. “Mining Day is our largest annual event and we were excited to use the opportunity to showcase our new brand and how Alaska’s metals advance the human experience,” said Alaska Metal Mines Executive Director, Karen Matthias. “Alaska’s approach to mining is world-class, smart and responsible. We want to connect with Alaskans and share how our natural resources not only benefit our daily lives but make the impossible possible.” As the world addresses issues of climate change and the advancement of renewable energy, Alaska’s metal resources could play a major role in the technologies that underpin these critical endeavors. With the growing global demand for metals spurred by these and other advancements in transportation, medicine, automation, machinery, and electronics, Alaska is well-positioned to lead future innovations. Created in 1992, the organization works to inspire Alaskans to realize a shared goal of safe and sustainable mineral production, providing economic and social benefits to Alaska communities and Alaskans. It has sponsored Mining Day at the Alaska State Fair since creating the event in 2008. Members include Coeur Alaska, Hecla, Kinross Alaska, Northern Star Resources, Teck, Donlin Gold, NANA, NOVAGOLD, Tower Hill Mines, Constantine, the Pebble Partnership and the Alaska Miners Association. Explore AKMetalMines.com to discover more about the importance of mining in modern society and how Alaska metals make the impossible possible. Council of Alaska Producers launches brand, campaign
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CROWLEY FUELS ALASKA With terminals and delivery services spanning the state, and a full range of quality fuels, Crowley is the trusted fuel partner to carry Alaska’s resource development industry forward. CrowleyFuels.com/Alaska Diesel | Gasoline | Lubricants Propane | Heating Fuel Aviation Fuels 1 Data contained in this document is sourced from the McKinley Research Group 2022 update of their report: “The Economic Benefits of Alaska’s Mining Industry. Alaska Miners Association, Inc. Alaska Miners Association AlaskaMiners We use mined materials every day! 1/2 of smart phone components are made from mined products. • Gallium • Germanium • Indium • Silver • Tellurium • Aluminum • Copper • Rare-earth elements • Copper • Graphite • Lithium • Manganese • Silver MORE RENEWABLE ENERGY = MORE MINING Next Netflix binge session? You need metals first. Lifesaving medical equipment requires minerals and metals, like silver and gold. Council of Alaska Producers AlaskaProducers Council of Alaska Producers This document is available on our websites. akminers.org alaskaproducers.org
Community Benefits in 2022 ALASKA’S MINING INDUSTRY $1 billion spent on goods and services with 450+ local businesses. $55 million in local tax revenue to support services like libraries, road repairs, schools, and public safety. $266 million in royalty payments to Alaska Native Corporations; $1.8 billion in total since 1989. $131 million in state government revenue for services like education, highways, and airports. RED DOG MINE UPPER KOBUK DONLIN GOLD PALMER GREENS CREEK MINE PEBBLE FORT KNOX MINE POGO MINE MANH CHOH NIBLACK LIVENGOOD ADVANCED EXPLORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING MINE KENSINGTON MINE USIBELLI GRAPHITE CREEK GOLDEN SUMMIT MARCH 2023
MINING IN ALASKA ESSENTIAL FOR OUR STATE, CRITICAL FOR OUR FUTURE
LARGE PRODUCING MINES FORT KNOX AND GIL / Gold • Operated by Kinross Alaska • Land ownership: State/Alaska Mental Health Trust/federal • Produced 291,375 oz. of gold • 713 employees and 84 contractors • Spent $293 million with 327 Alaska companies GREENS CREEK / Silver, zinc, gold, lead • Owned and operated by Hecla • Land ownership: Private/federal • Produced 9.7 million oz. of silver • 474 employees • Spent $65 million with 371 Alaska Vendors KENSINGTON / Gold • Operated by Coeur Alaska • Land ownership: Private/federal/state • Produced 109,061 oz. of gold • 402 employees • Spent $52.8 million with 168 Alaska companies POGO / Gold • Operated by Northern Star Resources • Land ownership: State • Produced 242,808 oz of gold • 610 employees • Spent $209 million with 164 Alaska companies RED DOG / Zinc, lead, silver, germanium • Operated by Teck Alaska • Land ownership: NANA Regional Corporation • Produced 1,146,439 metric tonnes of zinc concentrate • 603 employees and 702 contractors • Spent $286 million with 493 Alaska companies USIBELLI / Coal • Operated by Usibelli Coal Mine • Land ownership: State • Produced 1 million tons • 100 employees • Spent $30.5 million with 292 Alaska companies (2022 data for production, employment, and local spending unless noted) PROJECTS IN OR NEAR DEVELOPMENT DONLIN GOLD / Gold • Developed by NovaGold and Barrick Gold • Land ownership: Calista Corp. and The Kuskokwim Corp. • $7.4 billion initial capital costs • Up to 1,000 potential production jobs MANH CHOH / Gold, silver • Developed by Kinross Alaska and Contango ORE • Land ownership: Native Village of Tetlin • $150 million projected capital costs • 500 potential production jobs PEBBLE / Copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, rhenium, palladium • Developed by Northern Dynasty Minerals • Land ownership: State • $6.05 billion projected initial capital costs • 850 potential production jobs ADVANCED EXPLORATION PROJECTS GOLDEN SUMMIT / Gold • Developed by Freegold Ventures • Land ownership: State/federal/private/Alaska Mental Health Trust GRAPHITE CREEK / Graphite • Developed by Graphite One • Land ownership: State • $499 million projected initial capital costs in Alaska • 371 potential production jobs in Alaska LIVENGOOD / Gold • Developed by Tower Hill Mines • Land ownership: State/Alaska Mental Health Trust/federal • $1.9 billion projected initial capital costs • 331 potential production jobs NIBLACK / Copper, gold, zinc, silver • Developed by Blackwolf Copper and Gold • Land ownership: State/federal PALMER / Copper, zinc, gold, silver, barite • Developed by Dowa Metals & Mining and American Pacific Mining • Land ownership: State/Alaska Mental Health Trust/Federal • $278 million projected pre-production costs (2019 PEA) UPPER KOBUK MINERAL PROJECTS (Arctic and Bornite) / Copper, zinc, gold, silver, lead, cobalt • Developed by Ambler Metals • Land ownership: State/private • $905.6 million initial capital costs (Arctic) • 400 potential production jobs (Arctic) MINING IN ALASKA COAL 6 GRAPHITE 6 82 Pb 56 Ba 32 Ge 82 Pb 56 Ba 32 Ge 82 Pb 56 Ba 32 Ge 82 Pb 56 Ba 32 Ge 82 Pb 56 Ba 32 Ge
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