INSIDE THIS ISSUE n Complete Annual Convention Details! n Graphite One Building Critical Priorities n Faces of Mining: Jeremy Whitmore n Wins, Losses on Federal Front Fall 2023 Volume 51, Number 10 The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska AlaskaMiners.org Miners for Generations See You in Anchorage for Our Annual Convention! Father and son miners Dale and Jacob Mattila, Usibelli Coal Mine
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with Alaska’s clean coal. It’s one of the great stories that we try to tell in this magazine. You’ll often see on our covers the multiple generations of families who have grown and worked for decades together in Alaska mining. On the cover of this issue, you will see father and son Dale and Jacob Mattila, who have worked together at Usibelli Coal Mine since 2010. Last issue, our cover was Danny Twitchell and his daughter Betty, who work together at the Donlin Gold Project. And our spring covered featured a number of the amazing women who work together at Kinross Alaska’s Fort Knox Gold Mine. It’s often been said that a team, whether on an athletic field or on the field of battle, fights for each other more than for any lofty goal or trophy or victory. It’s for each other, for you, that we do what we do every day at AMA. We are stronger together. I can’t wait to see you in Anchorage! Deantha Skibinski AMA Executive Director Dear Alaska Miners, Ready for a reunion? Our Alaska Miner family gets together often but it’s always our annual convention each fall that feels like a family reunion. The rest of the year we are so busy, whether in the field, underground or in the Legislature, moving paperwork or moving dirt, that it’s hard to stay connected. And yet we do, come together, whenever there’s a need, a new challenge, a new opportunity. So yes, we are family. Like families everywhere, we are stronger together and apart. That doesn’t mean we don’t disagree among ourselves and don’t root for the same football teams or share the same favorite ways of fishing! But when the chips are down, we know who we can count on. We also believe in taking care of our future generations of miners, which has never been more important. If you look amongst us, you’ll see more miners nearing the end of our careers than at the beginning. Mining in Alaska is a great career! With a great future. That’s why our convention committee decided our 2023 convention theme should “Miners For Generations!” Many of us grew up in times when jobs were hard to come by and did not pay that well. By comparison, in our industry today, a young person without incurring a mountain of student debt or many years of college can begin a career earning well over $100,000 a year. That while living in Alaska and living the Alaska lifestyle, while knowing that they are contributing to a critical part of our state’s and nation’s economy. We all have a stake in recruiting and training this next generation of miners. At AMA, we’re trying to do our part with network events like Tuesday night’s event “Unearthing Tomorrow’s Leaders” here at the annual convention. We’re also “fishing where they are” by networking on every platform available to us, from the magazine you’re reading to social media to email to job boards, all to let young people both inside and outside Alaska know about the opportunities within our member companies in Specialists. Together with our partners at AK Metal Mines formally known as the Council of Alaska Producers, we are also embracing the need to educate all Americans, not just potential workers, about the critical work we do in current and future technologies, including renewable energy and in national defense, but also in reminding about the stability of dispatchable energy Executive Director’s Report Fall 2023 The Alaska Miner 1 Please see complete AMA Convention coverage on Pages 26-40 and visit our website at AlaskaMiners.org for more information.
Fall 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. 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 Alaska Miners Still Setting the Standard 16 Faces of Mining: Jeremy Whitmore 23 OP-ED: EPA Attack on All Alaska 26 Welcome to Convention 2023! 52 Remembering Those We’ve Lost 60 Newest Mining Business and Service Directory TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE COVER: Alaska mining is a family affair! Dale Mattila and his son Jacob have worked together in the Usibelli Coal Mine maintenance department since 2010. Usibelli employees recently celebrated 1,000 days without a lost-time accident. Photo courtesy Usibelli Coal Mine THIS PAGE: Groundbreaking for the Manh Choh Mine marks a dramatic new step in mining production in Interior Alaska, as well as a new model for mining efficiency. Here Kinross Gold Corporation CEO Paul Rollinson speaks to groundbreaking attendees. Photo Courtesy Kinross Alaska The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska Winter 2024 Legislative and Season Preview Spring 2024 Project Updates Summer 2024 People in Mining Fall 2024 Annual Anchorage Convention
President’s Message From Bartly Kleven "I want to thank each and every one of you for your support for me and for our association. There are no more engaged or hard-working people in America than Alaska’s miners. I am proud to call you friends, allies, mentors, partners and heroes!" As I’m writing this, it’s hard to believe my two years as president of the Alaska Miners Association has come to an end. It’s a little amusing to look back at my first letter to you as president: “The two most important things you should know about me: I love our industry and I love producers! What we do is not easy; it takes intellect, grit, perseverance, and the willingness and ability to work incredibly hard to achieve production. These are traits that are found in miners from small placers to large corporations, and the folks who offer services to support our efforts. Congratulations to one and all and a big Thank You — we need more of you!” I want to thank each and every one of you for your support for me and for our association. There are no more engaged or hard-working people in America than Alaska’s miners. I am proud to call you friends, allies, mentors, partners and heroes! It is a little intimidating to look back on our recent history. We have had to stay the course through three of the most challenging years in the history of our state. In 2019, we were just coming up from several tough years of low mineral prices that hurt explorers as well as existing operations, and there was a lot to be optimistic about. Then the pandemic stopped most other industries. But not Alaska’s miners, as mining It has been an honor to serve Alaska's miners The Alaska Miner Fall 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 Fall 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! is among Alaska’s most critical industries, supporting both our state’s economy and our mining families. I am so proud of how you, every one of us, stepped up and went to work every day. Now to the business at hand! What this week represents is far more than a convention. It is a family reunion, really good business, branding who we are to outsiders, adventure, education, networking, and a whole lot of friends and fun. It is one of the biggest, best events of any kind in Alaska each year. It has been an honor to serve you and our association and our industry. n Trade Show Map, Page 28-29 n Convention Schedule, Page 30 n Convention Sponsors, Page 34 n Trade Show Exhibitors, Page 35 n Convention Discounts, Page 37 n Awards Banquet, Page 40
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
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The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 8 BY CHUCK KOPP For several years, it has been understood but under-recognized that the Red Dog mine will conclude mine operations in 2031. Let’s think about this for a moment. Red Dog provides nearly 900 shareholder jobs, $50 million annually in wages, and over $100 million per year in revenue sharing to other Alaska Native regional and village corporations, many of which have little financial security. And there is no other near-term economic lifeline. In December 2021, Nathan McCowan, chair of the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association, commented on shared revenue from Red Dog Mine to village corporations, saying, “It’s the difference between being unprofitable on a steady-state basis versus being able to maintain a certain degree of solvency — without having to consider really difficult decisions like selling your land.” What about Donlin? The Donlin Gold project in Southwest Alaska has exceptional reserve size and enjoys strong Calista Corporation and community partnerships. In time, it will provide significant revenue sharing to ANCs, yet this is still as much as two decades away. This brings us to the importance of the Ambler Access Project, also known as the Ambler Road, a 211-mile right-of-way promised to Alaskans since 1980 in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act for surface transportation purposes from the Ambler Mining District to the Dalton Highway. Much like the Red Dog Road connecting the mine site to the Chukchi Sea, the Ambler Road is not only a road but a symbol of responsible development and community vitality. The AAP will provide private, controlled, and permitted access through state, Native corporation, and federal lands to some of the highest-grade copper, zinc, and critical mineral deposits known in the world. And it could not come at a more critical hour. President Joe Biden’s recent announcement of support to boost domestic production of critical minerals to make electric vehicles, military weapons systems, cell phones, solar panels, lithium-ion batteries and building future technologies is encouraging to hear. Every convenience of modern life depends on the production of mineral resources. Crisis brings clarity and real-world practicality. Today we see our globe reeling under the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a paranoid madman running an autocracy that is terrorizing Europe, brutally attacking a free democratic neighbor, and crippling the international economy. These sobering events require clear-headed policy responses that prioritize securing our future and reducing dependence on the whims of foreign despots to sell us critical minerals without which we cannot survive. According to the USGS, our country is 100% import-dependent for at least 23 critical and strategic minerals, and between 50% and 99% dependent for another 30 key minerals. And the U.S. Geological Survey has warned us about this for more than two decades. Is this a problem? Yes. Russia and China are two of the five countries we are most dependent on for critical minerals. No one would accuse them of being friends of democracy. As free people whose existence is an affront to autocracies, we must insist on moving beyond deceptive either-or fallacies that prevent the development of our lands and resources, imperil the security and self-determination of our people, and trample singular opportunities to move families and communities into the full economic life of our state. Failure to mine our own resources only ensures the same resources will be mined in other countries, under appalling child labor and environmental conditions. Do we refuse to produce them at home, but then use them at home? We must find ways to achieve agreement on the safe production of our strategic mineral resources. The AAP remains viable as long as it keeps to a critical timeline to reach a final investment decision in the near term. In 2022, after receiving a Record of Decision to proceed with the right of way, the project was halted by lawsuits and a subsequent federal court injunction. The draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is now nearing completion and is anticipated to be released to the public in late September, at which time public testimony will be taken by federal and state agencies. There is no time left to take a step backward. Let’s be certain the community, environmental, and cultural concerns are fairly addressed, and then move forward to secure our future. In so doing, our people and land will flourish. OPINION: Ambler Access Project is more than a road This is no time to take a step backward on Ambler Road
January 2021 The Alaska Miner 9
The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 10 Learn more at DonlinGold.com Our commitment to hire local employees and vendors ensures a positive economic impact for our community. $4.7M DoD contract underscores graphite's use in innovation Graphite One Inc. has announced it has received a $4.7 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency (“DLA”) to develop a graphite and graphene-based foam fire suppressant as an alternative to incumbent PFAS fire-suppressant materials, as required by U.S. law. “Graphite One is pleased to begin work on this Defense Logistics Agency project, which responds to the legally-mandated requirement to develop a new alternative to long-standing foam fire suppressants which are known to have toxic impacts on human health and the environment,” said Anthony Huston, President and CEO of Graphite One. “This DLA contract underscores the importance of graphite for innovative technology applications beyond the renewable energy markets — an important part of Graphite One’s advanced graphite materials strategy.” Since the beginning of the 1990s expandable graphite has been used as a halogen-free, environmentally friendly flame retardant and fire protection additive. Expandable graphite is a natural graphite in which a chemical process is used to introduce water-insoluble salts into its layer structure, which, when exposed to heat, ensures an enormous and rapid increase in volume. This property qualifies the material for its use in fire protection. Graphite One will execute the DLA project with Vorbeck Materials, Corp. of Maryland, under the terms of the G1-Vorbeck teaming agreement announced on June 19, 2023. “Vorbeck is excited to work with Graphite One to develop new and safer alternatives for the existing PFAS fire-suppressants for the DLA, ´ Vorbeck CEO John Lettow said. “Vorbeck’s strong experience in creating new formulations based on Graphite One to develop new fire suppressant CONTINUED on PAGE 12
Fall 2023 The Alaska Miner 11 Photo Courtesy Graphite One
The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 12 graphite and graphene should enable us to move rapidly toward a successful solution that will have significant supply-chain, safety and environmental benefits for the country.” Graphite One’s Supply Chain Strategy With the United States currently 100 percent dependent on foreign imports 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 Graphite Creek 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. About Graphite One Inc. Graphite One Inc. continues to develop its Graphite One Project to become an American producer of high-grade anode materials that is integrated with a domestic graphite resource. The Project is proposed as a vertically integrated enterprise to mine, process and manufacture anode materials primarily for the lithium-ion electric vehicle battery market. As set forth in the Company’s 2022 Pre-Feasibility Study, graphite mineralization mined from the Company’s Graphite Creek Property, situated on the Seward Peninsula about 60 kilometers north of Nome, Alaska, would be processed into concentrate at an adjacent processing plant. Natural and artificial graphite anode materials and other value-added graphite products would be manufactured from the concentrate and other materials at the Company’s proposed advanced graphite materials manufacturing facility expected to be located in Washington State. The Company intends to make a production decision on the Project upon the completion of a Feasibility Study. GRAPHITE, CONTINUED from PAGE 10
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1,000 days worked by employees without a lost-time accident Usibelli Coal Mine employees have worked 1,000 consecutive days without a lost-time accident, the company announced Sept. 6. "We are proud to celebrate 1,000 days without a lost time accident," said Joe Usibelli Jr., president of Usibelli Coal Mine. "This achievement reflects our commitment to safety as a core value and the foundation of our company culture. Every team member is accountable for their safety and the safety of their fellow coal miners." Usibelli is the only active coal mine in Alaska and the state’s oldest continuously operating mine. The company is committed to excellence in safety and sustainability, The mining industry demands the highest safety standards, and Usibelli Coal Mine has consistently demonstrated its dedication to ensuring a secure work environment for all employees. As a family-owned business for over 80 years, its values prioritize safety, health, and prosperity for its employees and the surrounding community. The milestone comes from the mine's pursuit of safety excellence through training programs, safety protocols, and regular safety assessments, the company said in a statement. The mine is one of eleven nationwide to have received CORESafety certification from the National Mining Association in 2020. By implementing CORESafety and the mine's internal "Everyday Safety – At Work. At Home. At Play." campaign, employees are empowered to be safety leaders, fostering a collaborative approach to identifying and mitigating potential hazards. "I also want to thank the families of our employees who support and encourage a commitment to Everyday Safety and for supporting their loved ones to maintain a safety-first mindset," Usinelli said. . In addition to achieving this milestone, Usibelli Coal Mine said it remains dedicated to being stewards of the environment by using sustainable mining practices. The mine continues to invest in advanced technologies and best practices to ensure its operations align with the highest environmental standards. "Beyond our commitment to safety, we also recognize our responsibility to the environment and the The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 14 Usibelli Coal Mine earns historic safety milestone 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
communities we serve," said Usibelli. "We strive to leave a positive legacy for future generations." Mine employees are working towards achieving a new all-time safety record this December. Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc., based in Healy, Alaska, is a family-owned and operated coal mining company with a history dating back to 1943. The company produces a sub-bituminous coal that is very low in sulfur, a major source of air pollution in many parts of the nation. Usibelli produced about 1 million tons of coal yearly and supplies six power plants in Interior Alaska. Coal is shipped from the mine in Healy to power plants at Clear Air Force Station, where the nation’s largest ballistic missile detection radar is located; to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and power plants at Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base east of Fairbanks. A power plant in downtown Fairbanks owned and operated by Aurora Energy, a Usibelli affiliate, also uses coal from the mine. The Aurora plant also supplies steam heat for buildings and residential home in downtown Fairbanks Coal is the lowest cost source of energy in the region and is reliable in its supply, a critical factor in Interior Alaska where the certainty is important, particularly during cold months of the year. Usibelli strives to be a responsible steward of the environment and an active contributor to Alaska's economic growth and development, while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and community engagement, the company said in its Sept. 6 statement. Providing innovative multidisciplinary services since 1979. 907.561.1011 | PNDENGINEERS.COM nuiqsut bridge | north slope, ak Fall 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. Photo Courtesy Usibelli Coal Mine Usibelli is the state’s oldest continuously operating mine.
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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The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 18 Faces of Mining What was one experience you will never forget? Taking the leap and working in Guyana for a year teaching the locals about Mine Rescue and Underground Mining. What do you love most about this business? And about Alaska? Being part of the mining industry is like having an extended family. We look out for each other and our environment. We give back to our community by donating our time and resources. This comes in so many ways- reading books to elementary kids, educating our youth through school programs, serving Thanksgiving dinners with Salvation Army, helping put on community events, keeping our community clean through the state’s Adopt-a Highway program, awarding scholarships, and supporting local sports programs are just a few. The one thing I tell everyone that is special to Alaska is the willingness of our communities to help each other. You are president of Gold Rush Days in Juneau … what’s the significance of that event? That is correct. Juneau Gold Rush Days is an event where we can showcase the Past, Present, and Future of mining. Help educate the community in which we live about the important industry that helped shape our region. Help support our Juneau community schools and Juneau Shrine Club with donations that we raise from different events. Bringing miners, loggers, and community members together from all over Southeast Alaska. Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? I think our future is in technology innovation through automation, autonomous equipment, and predictive asset maintenance. I hope that we can be proactive and reduce the risk to our biggest assets — our employees and the environment. What do you see as our biggest challenges? And opportunities? There is a generation gap within the mining community. We need to educate the communities, especially our youth, about career opportunities that mining has to offer. Most people not already involved in mining don’t realize that the diversity of career options mining has to offer. Most just think of mining as either underground or in an open pit. There are opportunities in great careers such as Mechanics, Electricians, Safety, Environmental, Water Treatment, CONTINUED on PAGE 20 Photos Courtesy Jeremy Whitmore Jeremy volunteering for the United Way of Southeast Alaska’s annual Day of Caring. Jeremy has worked in the mining industry for more than 25 years. He says Juneau Gold Rush Days, right, plays an important role in educating non-miners about the industry, while having a lot of fun.
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The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 20 REPAIR CONNECTION BRANCHING JCM INDUSTRIES, INC. - NASH, TEXAS, USA 75569-1220 Call Toll Free 1-800-527-8482 or 903-832-2581 www.jcmindustries.com RESTRAINT JCM INDUSTRIES High Density Polyethylene Pipe offers countless advantages for Mining and Industrial Applications. Keep Those Advantages Working with JCM Industries Fittings and Fabrications for HDPE Pipe PROVEN IN ALASKA FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT ON EARTH. • Mineral Exploration • Precision Lift & Placement • Fire Suppression • Environmental Resource • Oil & Gas • Arctic Operations ANCHORAGE, AK 907-257-1550 PATHFINDERAVIATION.COM MinerMag.indd 2 9/29/21 2:37 PM Faces of Mining Photos Courtesy Jeremy Whitmore This iconic photo of a younger Jeremy, at the portal of Kensington Mine, was taken more than a decade ago. Jeremy, right, with his daughters Arramina, Marzena and Vespasia.
Fall 2023 The Alaska Miner 21 Water & sewage treatment systems for mineral, tourism, fishing, and energy projects in Alaska 907-458-7024 info@lifewaterengineering.com Accounting, Community and Government Affairs, Information Technology, Purchasing, Warehouse, Technical Services, Human Resources, and Metallurgy just to name a few. We need to find a way to engage and educate the youth in all the successful career paths that mining has to offer. What keeps you awake at night? Just about everything. I have three daughters. What does AMA mean to you? It’s an association for resources and education on current industry issues and the challenges our state faces in resource development What do you do for fun? Our family enjoys being out on the boat either on weekend trips or week-long trips. Enjoy hunting and fishing. Anything else you want to share? This year in December, my wife, Ursula, and I will celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary. We have three beautiful daughters: Vespasia, 21, is in her last year of college at UAS and is studying to be a third-generation teacher; Marzena, 16, is going into her junior year of high school and loves being in the band and plays hockey; and Arramina, 12, is going into her eighth-grade year, is a green belt in karate, studies weapons and helps teach the little dragons at Juneau Karate Academy.
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Fall 2023 The Alaska Miner 23 BY KATI CAPOZZI, TESSA AXELSON, KAREN MATTHIAS, DEANTHA SKIBINSKI, REBECCA LOGAN, ALICIA AMBERG AND LEILA KIMBRELL For more than a decade, there has been a lot written on these pages about the Pebble project and its interactions with the Environmental Protection Agency. Gov. Mike Dunleavy recently filed suit against the EPA over its actions to block the project and foreclose economic opportunity on nearly 200,000 acres of land owned by the state of Alaska. Some have questioned this litigation. It is important to outline the critical importance of this lawsuit and why so many in the business community care a great deal about it. To begin, the issue is about process and the rules of the game for making decisions about resource development in Alaska. Businesses make decisions about investing in Alaska and our economy for a variety of reasons but among the most important is whether there is a clear and fair process for a company to follow. In a normal process for many resource development projects, the applicant files for a permit with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or USACE, under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, aka CWA. This usually triggers a full review of the project via the environmental impact statement process. The EPA and other federal agencies participate in the EIS review and provide important technical input. If the USACE grants a permit the EPA disagrees with, the CWA grants the EPA the ability to veto the decision. These vetoes have been rarely used since the passage of the CWA as federal agencies attempt to work through significant differences. With Pebble, things got off the rails in this process when the EPA went outside the norm and began its attempt to preemptively block the project before there OPINION: EPA’s Pebble action sets unfair precedent Decision interferes with Alaska’s ability to manage its own lands CONTINUED on PAGE 24
The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 24 was even a mine plan. The EPA just made one up and then declared that their mine plan could not be permitted. This action was on again and off again based on political winds in Washington, D.C. The veto was finalized under a Biden administration, which is reluctant to permit any major mines despite the criticality of mining, including Pebble’s copper, to its climate-change focused renewable energy goals. In addition to stopping Pebble, this EPA action interferes with the state’s ability to manage its lands — an action that violates the deal Alaska made when it entered the union and was granted access to land selections for the purpose of establishing an economy for the state. It also violates the “no more” clause of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which put tens of millions of acres of Alaska’s lands into parks and wilderness areas. These issues are at the core of the state’s challenge. It is important to emphasize that the state is not the applicant in this situation, yet the EPA has effectively said to the state that it cannot develop its lands as was first envisioned in the Alaska Statehood Act. This is a de facto taking and we should all be very concerned. It is worth noting that Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, who have expressed opposition to Pebble, have also expressed their opposition to the use of the preemptive veto against Pebble by the EPA for many of the reasons outlined in the state’s challenge. When we take Pebble out of this discussion, we see a federal agency seeking to use authority it was not granted under the CWA. EPA has decided it can act as a zoning agency for state-owned lands. This further precludes the state’s ability to make decisions about lands it selected under the Alaska Statehood Act. From the perspective of the business and resource community, this issue is about whether any project can get fair treatment in Alaska, because once an extraordinary precedent has been established, it becomes much easier for the bureaucracy and those who oppose development Alaska to use it again and again. — Kati Capozzi is president and CEO of the Alaska Chamber — Tessa Axelson is executive director of the Alaska Forest Association — Karen Matthias is executive director of Alaska Metal Mines — Deantha Skibinski is executive director of the Alaska Miners Association — Rebecca Logan is president and CEO of the Alaska Support Industry Alliance — Alicia Amberg is executive director of Associated General Contractors of Alaska — Leila Kimbrell is executive director of the Resource Development Council for Alaska PEBBLE, CONTINUED from PAGE 23
Fall 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 Photo Courtesy Pebble Limited Partnership
The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 26 Members and Friends of the Alaska Miners Association: It’s time for another great convention! I want to welcome you and your company to the 2023 Alaska Miners Association Annual Convention and Trade Show, Nov. 6-9 at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage. You’ll find valuable information about this year’s convention in the following pages of the Alaska Miner Magazine. You know what makes this a great event — more than 1,000 attendees from all sectors of our industry, many great networking events, the largest mining trade show in the state, representatives from all operating mines and potential mining development projects in Alaska, educational short courses and technical sessions, and so much more. Our theme this year is “Miners for Generations.” Following the Trade Show Supplier’s Reception Tuesday, Nov. 6, will be a “Young Professionals” event in the Core Shack area. This is an opportunity for our experienced sourdough professionals to meet and network with our cheechako professionals. They are the future of Alaska mining. We will offer three excellent short courses Monday, Nov. 6. Short Course #1 Geochemical Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Practical Applications for the Mineral Industry, Short Course #2 Alaska Geology and Minerals 101 and Short Course #3 WOTUS in Alaska. There is limited space for these courses so sign up early at AlaskaMiners.org/convention. During the convention Nov. 7-9 we are offering dual tracks of technical session presentations highlighting exploration projects, mine operations, mineral investigations by the USGS & DGGS, environmental and policy-focused sessions, and many more technical presentations. We also have keynote speakers at all our luncheons that you will enjoy, as well as a wealth of vendors and sponsors to network within the trade show during coffee breaks. There are a few remaining booth spaces and sponsorship opportunities available to showcase your company before the industry. This is a great way to give your company and products maximum exposure in front of the “who’s who” of mining in Alaska. Email Jennifer Luiten at jennifer@ alaskaminers.org. Thank you to all our sponsors! Underwriting this event ensures it will be successful, and your sponsorship dollars also help sustain AMA and its efforts year-round to promote a vibrant mining industry for Alaska. This year, Mining Hall of Fame inductions will be Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7-9 p.m. at the Downtown Marriott Hotel. And the AMA Board of Directors meeting is on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. The Core Shack provides a showcase for participants of projects that are generating new results, or have not participated in AMA's core shack before, to show off their core and discuss results with interested attendees. Industry professionals interested in displaying core and results from mineral exploration and development projects are invited to present at the Core Shack. In addition, reactivated mines, extensions, or satellite to existing operations are encouraged participants, particularly where new results are generating interest in future development potential of the project. Hand samples, maps, charts, and other technical information are also welcome. The Prospectors’ Tent on Tuesday and Wednesday will again feature independent prospectors or earlyexploration projects displaying their mineral prospects and discoveries. Providing a venue for prospectors to share their discoveries is an important opportunity that may lead to new discoveries, prospects, and partnerships in Alaska. And share the good news of this convention! AMA’s convention posts on social media are intended for you to repost, share with colleagues and friends, and tell others where you're going to be the week of Nov. 6-9. We'd love to see them walk through our tradeshow and support our vendors and sponsors. We hope you enjoy the convention preview we’ve included in these next few pages. New information is updated daily on our website: www. alaskaminers.org/convention. We’ll see you at the Convention! Kevin Adler Convention Committee Chairman Welcome to this year's AMA Convention!
Fall 2023 The Alaska Miner 27 AMA Convention 2023 n Trade Show Map, Page 28-29 n Convention Schedule, Page 30 n Convention Sponsors, Page 34 n Trade Show Exhibitors, Page 35 n Convention Discounts, Page 37 n Awards Banquet, Page 40
The Alaska Miner Fall 2023 28 Core Shac & Prospectors Lounge Area 1 3 4 5 CMI 1 3 1 2 Lobby 7th Avenue G Street Lobby Emergency Doors P 8th Avenue Loading Area 10’ 10’ Multi-functional space: Lunch, vendor theater Entrance Exit Check-in Table 6’ 20’x40’ 10’ 10’ 10’ 10’ 10’ 30’x40’ 10’ 7 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 109110111 115 116 117 129 133 134 135 139 140 141 Equipment Source 20’x40’ CMI 8’x24’x30” Registration 61 10’ 10’ 10’ 20’ AM & PM Coffee/Snack AV BAR US AK Show Office Coat Check Momova 20’x40’ SMS Equipment RAM 20’x40’ ARG Industrial 20’x40’ Lifewater 20’x40’ AK Mining & Diving 10’x30’ HEAVY EQUIPMENT VENDORS Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC Lifewater Engineering Company ARG Industrial Equipment Source, Inc. RAM Enterprise, Inc. SMS Equipment Inc. Alaska Mining & Diving Supply TABLE TOP VENDORS Baroid Industrial Drilling Products BGC Engineering, Inc. Cummins Inc. Minto Development Corporation Momar, Inc. NASCO Industrial Services and Supply LLC (aka NISS) Rain for Rent AKHIRE, Inc. IG Drilling VIGNAL ABL USA Inc
Fall 2023 The Alaska Miner 29 AMA Convention 2023 ck Tent 2023 Miners F Street A/V Electrical Emergency Doors ’ 107108 1112 113 114 7 118 119 120 124 125 126 130 131 132 136 137 138 142 143 144 AM & PM Coffee/Snack BAR 151 152 VENDORS BOOTH NO. Acrow Corp of America 110 ACZ Laboratories, Inc. 61 AES-Talent Solutions (an ASRC Energy Services Company) AIDEA 136 Airgas 142 Alaska Aggregate Products , LLC 125 Alaska Airlines 133 Alaska Business 16 Alaska Dreams, Inc. 114 Alaska Earth Sciences 92 Alaska Energy Metals 104 Alaska Industrial Hardware, Inc. 17 Alaska Midnight Sun Drilling Inc. 120 Alaska Minerals Inc. 82 Alaska Petroleum Dist. Inc 65 Alaska Railroad 30 Alaska Resource Education 7 Alaska Roteq 151 Alaska Steel, Co. 23 Alaska Support Industry Alliance 134 ALS Geochemistry 103 Alyeska Tire 50 Ambler Metals 96 Arctic Winter Games 55 Arcticom LLC, a BSNC Company 124 Aspen Hotels of Alaska 80 Automatic Welding & Supply Corp. 84 Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. 117 Beckwith & Kuffel, Inc. / Delta P Pump 10 Belzona Technology Northwest BLM Minerals 137 Boart Longyear 78 Boreal Environmental Services 70 Brenntag Pacific, Inc. 139 Brooks Range Supply 119 Bureau Veritas Minerals 112 Contech Engineered Solutions LLC 68 Delta Industrial Services Fairbanks LLC 98 Denali Industrial Supply, Inc 77 DGI Geoscience US Inc. 141 Donlin Gold LLC 135 Dyno Nobel Inc. 4 Elemetal Direct 73 Energy Laboratories Inc. 76 Equity Geoscience, Ltd. 93 ERM Alaska, Inc. 99 Felix Gold Ltd & Wiseman Metals 79 Ferguson Industrial 101 Fireweed Strategies LLC 52 Frontier Supply 89, 90 Fuller Brothers/Tire Life 14 Global Services, Inc. 18 Gold Buyers of Alaska: GBA Assaying & Refining 12 Horst Expediting & Remote Operations, Inc. 32 Hy-Tech Drilling 111 IMDEX 27 Industrial Pumps of Alaska 53 Inlet Energy 64 Integrated Power Services 29 JCM Industries, Inc. 51 JENNMAR 62 JH Fletcher & Co. 56 Kuna Engineering 57 Lynden 97 Major Drilling 74 Mining and Petroleum Training Service 94 Minn-Alaska Transport LLC Motion & Flow Control Products 67 MTA 24 NC Machinery 107, 108 NMS 118 Northern Star Resources (Pogo) LLC Orica USA Inc 60, 66 Osborne Construction Company 63 Oxford Assaying & Refining Corp 109 Petro Marine 88 Power the Future 59 Republic Services 95 RESPEC 115 Roughstock Mining Services 75 Ruen Drilling Inc 85 Sample Archive System, Inc. 143 Samson Tug & Barge Co., Inc. 83 Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology 34 SLR International Corporation 100 Solmax 1 Soloy Helicopters, LLC 72 Sophie Station Suites 5 South32 71 SRK Consulting 36 Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 116 State of Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys 130 State of Alaska, DNR Division of Mining, Land & Water 129 Surveyors Exchange Co 81 Techline Alaska 25 TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc. 86 Thyssen Mining Inc. 87 TOTE Maritime Alaska 69 TTT Environmental, LLC 91 Weir Minerals North America 102 WSP 58 Xerxes 20 Zonge International Inc. 140 North of 60 Mining News 49th Freight Alaska State Science and Engineering Fair Advanced Supply Chain International, LLC
7 a.m. 8 a.m. 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 12 p.m. 1 SUNDAY NOV 5 MONDAY NOV 6 TUESDAY NOV 7 WEDNESDAY NOV 8 THURSDAY NOV 9 FRIDAY NOV 10 SATURDAY NOV 11 7 a.m. 8 a.m. 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 12 p.m. 1 p SHORT COURSES 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m TRADE SHOW, CORE SHACK, and 9:00 a.m. - 5: LUNCHEON 12 - 1:00 p.m. BREAKFAST 7 - 8:00 a.m. BREAKFAST 7 - 8:00 a.m. GEOSCIENCE 8 - 9:00 a.m. GEOSCIENCE 10 -11:30 a.m. AMA SESSION 8 - 9:00 a.m. BREAK LUNCHEON 12 - 1:00 p.m. BREAK MSHA UNDERGROUND REFRES 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m MSHA SURFACE REFRESHER 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m TRADE SHOW 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. BREAK LUNCHEON 12 - 1:00 p.m. BREAKFAST 7 - 8:00 a.m. AMA SESSION 10 - 11:30 a.m. DENA’INA CENTER FIRST FLOOR | Exhibit Hall ROOM LEGEND: DENA’INA CENTER SECOND FLOOR | Tubughnen TRACK 1 TRACK 1 AMA SESSION 8 - 9:00 a.m. BREAK POLICY 10 - 11:30 a.m. BREAK BREAK BRE TRADE SHOW, CORE SHACK, and 9:00 a.m. - 5: AMA SESSION 10 - 11:30 a.m. POLICY 8 - 9:00 a.m. SHORT COURSES 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m Schedule-at-a-Glan
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