The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 6 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 misperceptions 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 different 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 cleanly, safely, and efficiently. Dedication to Values Miners were living by ESG before it was cool. We have for generations been dedicated to environmental social and governance 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. Rigorous Permitting It’s no joke that it takes more than 20 years to permit a new mine in Alaska. Our state has some of the most rigorous, focused and dedicated permitting requirements in the world. That is backed by a Department of Natural Resources that sets the highest standards for all 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 miner’s wage of $115,000 makes a better quality of life possible for thousands of Alaskan families. Mining benefits Alaska Natives The Red Dog Mine has been the No. 1 producer of revenue distributed back to Alaska Natives. For decades, the 12 Alaska Native regional corporations and nearly 200 village corporations statewide have shared revenue generated from resource projects amongst themselves, 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 Alaska mining industry. n Charitable contributions to more than 280 Alaska non-profits. n $4.5 million in contributions. n $800,000 to civic, business, and industry organizations in Alaska through sponsorship and membership fees. n Over $2.7 million contributed 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 incredible: n The Graphite Creek project, 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 operations 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 Economics Benefits of Mining in Alaska, look online at www. alaskaminers.org/economic-benefits Alaska miners still setting the standard
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==