career in the mining industry is marked by numerous accolades, including the Alaska Chamber's Bill Egan Alaskan of the Year Award and the AMA Chuck Hawley Lifetime Achievement Award. His continued dedication to enhancing our community and industry demonstrates that his journey of excellence is far from over. Roger is an outstanding candidate for the AMA’s Environmental Stewardship Award. He has dedicated his life to causes he believes in, primarily focusing on responsible resource development, consistently leading responsible mining operations while also prioritizing environmental care and sustainability. His commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond regulatory requirements, showcasing leadership and innovation in environmental practices. In 2021, he undertook a significant environmental cleanup initiative on his mining claims, despite bearing no responsibility for the issue. An unauthorized transient camp had left the area littered with solid waste, vehicles, and various debris. Disturbed by the environmental damage, he mobilized his team from the Grant Mine, providing machinery and manpower for an extensive cleanup operation. In collaboration with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and volunteers, they removed a remarkable total of 57 tons of debris, restoring the site to its natural state. This initiative, which highlighted Roger’s proactive and communityminded approach, earned him recognition from the DNR. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in the closure of the Grant Mine tailings facility. This complex project, lauded by regulators for its innovative and sustainable reclamation techniques, was featured in a detailed technical session at the Fairbanks Conference this week. His efforts to facilitate public participation in the closure process exemplify transparent and responsible environmental stewardship. His collaborative approach with regulatory agencies to implement novel environmental controls underscores his commitment to sustainable mining practices. A state regulator had this to say about him and his efforts at the Grant Mine Tailings Facility: “I think that the tenacity that he has shown and his efforts to close the Grant Mine Tailings Facility are very noteworthy. He has been excellent to work with, incredibly responsive, and dedicated to getting it right. He and his contractors did outstanding work both physically on the ground (with the reclamation work that is designed to be very durable over time) and with working with the agencies to address some novel processes regarding the closure. "This includes obtaining a Restricted Use Authorization from DNR and environmental controls from DEC. He was very supportive of the public participation in the final closure decisions and was clearly a transparent steward from what the agencies saw. While I am sorry that it had taken him that long to get everything approved so he could do the final reclamation work, I am glad that it’s one less burden off the plate for him and the state.” His unwavering dedication to environmental excellence and his substantial contributions to the mining community embody the spirit of the AMA’s Environmental Stewardship Award. His actions not only mitigate environmental impact but also pave the way for new standards in sustainable mining operations. He stands out not only for his significant impact on Alaska's mining industry but also for his genuine commitment to the environment. Roger Burggraf always carries a piece of the land he cherishes in his pocket, a symbol of his deep connection to Alaska's natural resources. Through his actions, he has proven to be as valuable and unique as the gold nuggets he holds dear, making him a natural fit for the environmental stewardship award. www.AlaskaMiners.org 53 BUILDING ALASKA ONE OUNCE AT A TIME Our firm understanding of Alaska’s unique challenges and commitment to HSSE and planning have translated into satisfied mining clients across the state. We get dirty so you get the pay dirt. Commitment to Safety & Quality | Anchorage · Kenai · Deadhorse www.conamco.com | 907-278-6600 Fairbanks Convention: Award Winners
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