The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 16 In each issue of the Alaska Miner, we profile a member 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 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. 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 feedback). n We all had to start at the bottom so never take it for granted. 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 paycheck and the now, not the future. CONTINUED on PAGE 18
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