www.TJEnterprises.us (406) 626-1968 TJoffice@tjenterprises.us MINERAL EXPLORATION GRADE CONTROL DEWATERING WELLS MONITORING & PIEZOMETER WELLS GEOTECHNICAL REMOTE LOCATIONS T & J Enterprises, Inc. Proudly Serving Alaska with Surface and Helicopter Supported Reverse Circulation and Core Drilling Since 1994 The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 40 or two, Alaska won’t be known for its farming. But it IS known for its resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. We have a number of critical minerals, including graphite, which we’re 100 percent foreign dependent on. While globalism is a fine idea in theory, it’s proven a bit unstable here recently. Instead of looking overseas, we need look no further than Alaska for the resources our country desperately needs so we are no longer foreign dependent, or at least LESS foreign dependent. We look at AMA as the unifying voice that brings our resources to the forefront and reminds the folks from here in Alaska all the way to DC what Alaska has and why it’s important to us on a local level as well as a national level. They advocate for a strong mining industry that isn’t over regulated and review all legislation to prevent that over regulation. They deal with issues head-on, which helps to keep our industry going. For us personally, we’ve met key members within AMA that have introduced us to key vendors and potential future clients. We’ve brought some of our own bureaucratic issues forward to Deantha and, not only did she take the time to listen to us, but she was also and is ready to go to the mat and fight for us. While this is a large industry, it’s still relatively small in terms of the people and the relationships. As the saying goes, “United we stand divided we fall.” AMA is an amazing advocate for both the big and small players; they’re eager to help regardless of who you are. What opportunities do you see for the future, for your company and for mining? Our need for resources isn’t going away, nor is it going to reduce. I think Alaska and its mining industry will continue to flourish. With advocates such as AMA and even our senators like Murkowski and Sullivan, Alaska will continue to produce long after all of us are gone. In the past, Alaska was a “seasonal place” to work and operate. Since the pandemic, people have pushed a little harder. The opportunities to do exploration in the winter are becoming more prevalent. Doesn’t mean that it’s easy, but I do see it as becoming more “normal.” You just have to come at it from the perspective of safety as well as the cost versus benefit. But if you can harness those three aspects, the sky is the limit. And how are you facing the special challenges we are facing this year? Same way we always handle it. One job at a time – actually it’s more like 2-3 jobs at a time. We’re constantly playing a game of 3D chess. Our challenge has been to keep up with the demand that we’ve been under and how a small company like ours can keep up with the rapid growth we’ve been experiencing. It’s been incredibly satisfying to watch this company grow the way it has, but it’s also a beast to keep up with. What worked five years ago won’t work now, and what worked last season may not work as well as you thought. So, you’re constantly trying to evolve, and that evolution doesn’t just happen in a vacuum. You need a team willing to learn, change and evolve with the times. You’re only as strong as your weakest link. Thankfully, we’ve got an amazing team. What else do you want to be sure our readers know about you? Mike Sr. would like everyone to know that he’s still alive, still not retired, and no plans to go away anytime soon. HE isn’t someone who seeks the spotlight. He’s someone that keeps his head down, looks for solutions for everything and gets the job done. While Mike Smith has cast a very large shadow within this industry and for me (Jr.) to step into, the fact that those are some awfully big shoes to fill is not lost on me. I hope to do so humbly with the hopes of not sinking the ship before dad either retires or tips over! ALASKA MINERALS, CONTINUED from PAGE 38
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