President’s Message From Lorali Simon "Thank you to those of you who joined us for the spring convention in Fairbanks. It’s humbling to be in a leadership role with this association, really this extended family of professionals, who support our Alaska mining industry." It’s spring in Alaska and the mining industry is looking forward to a great field season. Thank you to those of you who joined us for the spring convention in Fairbanks. It’s humbling to be in a leadership role with this association, really this extended family of professionals, who support our Alaska mining industry. I especially want to thank the sponsors and vendors who made such an event financially possible. It was an honor to chat with many of you on the tradeshow floor, as well as the amazing and tireless volunteers, and of course the AMA staff, who worked thousands of hours to make that possible. While I heard some complaints about the Carlson Center food, or not having power to the lounge, or even that the coffee ran out, I heard more praise and appreciation toward the AMA staff and volunteers for making this event happen. As you may have heard, this was our first spring convention in six years. While some of the ways things had been done in the past were lost with the volunteers who ran things then, I believe the new Fairbanks Convention Committee put together an exciting event with pertinent presentations and crowd-drawing speakers. We heard about the stability in minerals demand and prices, as well as the new projects moving forward, and a growing realization among outsiders that mining in Alaska is critical. At our convention closing awards banquet, AMA recognized the tireless efforts and contributions of several volunteers. I would like to congratulate them again: Curt Freeman received the Chuck Hawley Lifetime Achievement Award for his amazing lifetime of work across Alaska, North America and overseas making discoveries that will continue to provide resources for decades to come, while selflessly sharing his knowledge through magazine columns and mentoring. Roger Burggraf, the original iron man who will outlast us all, received our Environmental Stewardship Award, for his lifetime dedication to responsible mining. At an age when most of us will be long retired, he continues working every day reclaiming former mine sites. His tenacity and skill at working collaboratively are an example for us all. Ken Hall received our Golden Heart Service Award for being a selfless superhero at serving not just Alaska miners but all Alaskans. He’s a leader in ours and other resource industry groups. While also being a fabulous emissary for Fairbanks and tackling every challenge with a giant grin and tireless determination. Brian Forrest received our Promising Prospector Award as a shining example of our future! Brian played a key role in our Fairbanks convention as well as our new focus on drawThank you for your amazing support The Alaska Miner Spring 2024 4
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