Celebrating Alaska mining! Thank You for Making Alaska Night a Success Winter 2025 Volume 53, Number 2 Online: AlaskaMiners.org The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska INSIDE: Convention Award Honorees; State, Federal Issues of Concern for 2025
the last four years reminding ourselves to stay positive and move past the headwinds, and now, we must stay on track to engage in policy that will help our industry. We return to Alaska with some optimism and a longer list of things to do! Soon, we’ll host the third Juneau Mining Forum at the Baranof Hotel. The event educates members of the Legislature, staff, administration and Juneau public on mining issues. Topics covered will be federal issues, environmental standards, economic and community benefits, building the local workforce and critical minerals. Elsewhere in this publication you’ll see a list of our 2025 federal and state Issues of Concern, and you can be sure these issues are at the forefront of our discussions at the Forum and all session long. A goal I have, and I know we all share, for all of these events is to keep telling our great story. During our visits in Washington, our friends and allies shared that it is truly the only thing that will make a difference in terms of reasonable policies for mining. Thank God we have so much to work with — great operations, great people, great accomplishments. You all make for a great story and it is a privilege to be able to tell it. Deantha Skibinski AMA Executive Director Dear Alaska Miners, I can’t believe we are already at the first issue of our 2025 publications. I can’t believe it’s 2025, and I certainly can’t believe February is nearly behind us. I know that part of the reason time is flying is there is so much going on, from a day-to-day perspective but also the events and activities that are putting our industry and membership on display. At time of writing this, we’ve just wrapped up the Association of Mineral Exploration of British Columbia Roundup convention. We had an amazing Alaska Night with what we believe was the highest attendance ever. The Pan Pacific Ocean Suites were packed with people talking about Alaska. We heard rave reviews from participants who shared they forged new relationships, secured new contracts and customers, and other beneficial connections — that’s what it is all about! This event, which puts our state and industry in front of the Pacific Northwest investment market, was made possible by a number of member company sponsors. Please help me to thank them for making it possible: 3-Tier Alaska, Alaska Log Works Inc., Alaska Midnight Sun Drilling Inc, Alaska Minerals, Inc., Ambler Metals, BGC Engineering, Inc., Childs Geoscience Inc., Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC, Cyr Drilling USA Inc., Doyon, Limited, Freegold Ventures Limited, Fuse & Traverse, LLC, Graphite One Inc, HDR, Hecla Mining Company, Heliostar Metals Ltd, Hope Mining Company, Inc., Horst Expediting and Remote Operations, Inc., JP Tangen, Attorney at Law (P.C.), Just Refiners USA, Inc., Logic Geophysics, MDF Global, MES Mining, NANA, Northern Permafrost Consulting, NOVAGOLD Resources, Inc., Nuna LLC, Owl Ridge Natural Resource Consultants, Inc., Pacific Rim Geological Consulting, Piton Exploration, LLC, R A Hughes & Associates, Rangefront Mining Services, Ruen Drilling, Inc., SLR Consulting, SMS Equipment Inc., Solvest Inc., SRK Consulting, Stantec Consulting Services, Stoel Rives LLP, Storm Exploration LLC, Techline Alaska, Tectonic Metals, Inc., Timberline Drilling Inc., Top Shelf Realty, Tubutulik Mining Co. LLC, Tundra Consulting, U.S. GoldMining Inc., Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc., Valhalla Metals Inc., Western Alaska Minerals, Yukuskokon Professional Services, LLC, Zinnolithic LLC I missed seeing all of these great companies and miners this year as AMA Statewide Chair Lorali Simon and I traveled to Washington D.C., for the inauguration of President Trump. It was a wild time to be in our nation’s capital — millions of people from all across our country engaging in the path ahead. We met with many lawmakers and appeared at hearings where legislation and policy discussion on issues affecting us packed the days. We have spent Executive Director’s Report www.AlaskaMiners.org 1
TOTE IT TO ALASKA 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN MOTION Since 1975, we’ve been TOTE-ing the supplies for life to Alaska, solving the toughest transportation challenges with innovation, speed, and safety. We’re proud to celebrate 50 years of best-in-class service to the customers and communities we serve and look forward to 50 more.
www.AlaskaMiners.org 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 Ethan Trickey Denali Dave Larimer Fairbanks Jan Hill Haines Jason Hart Juneau Houston Morris Kenai Ken Hughes Nome Robert Fithian Ketchikan/Prince of Wales Deantha Skibinski Executive Director Jennifer Luiten Membership and Fundraising Director Carin Currier Projects & Communications Manager Darlene Strickland Bookkeeping and Membership EXECUTIVE BOARD EDITORIAL CALENDAR ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION STAFF BRANCH CHAIRMEN Lorali Simon President, Usibelli Coal Mine, Healy Blake Bogart First Vice President, Graphite One Inc., Nome Houston Morris Second Vice President, IPA Alaska, Soldotna 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. 1 Executive Director’s Report 4 Message from AMA's President 6-7 State Issues of Concern 2025 8-9 Federal Issues of Concern 2025 12 Alaska Night at Roundup 16 In Memoriam: Mary Nordale 18 Faces of Mining: Chelsea Flint 44 Newest Mining Business and Service Directory TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE COVER: Alaska Night provided a venue for new introductions to those interested in Alaska, and a place for those to meet longtime Alaska miners with plenty of knowledge and stories to share. Thank you to the sponsors listed on Page 14 for helping us spread our message in Vancouver! THIS PAGE: 2025 brings big things ahead for Alaska mining amid President Trump's second term in the Oval Office. See AMA's Issues of Concern at both the state and federal level starting on Page 6. Photo Courtesy Kinross Fort Knox The official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and the mining industry in Alaska Spring 2025 Project Updates Summer 2025 People in Mining Fall 2025 Annual Anchorage Convention Winter 2026 Legislative and Season Preview
President’s Message From Lorali Simon "President Trump has consistently advocated for increased resource development as a means of boosting economic growth and energy independence. In Alaska, this approach is particularly relevant given the state's rich mineral resources." President Trump's return to office has sparked significant discussions about the potential impacts on various sectors of the economy, including the mining industry in Alaska. Known for his pro-business stance and focus on deregulation, Trump's policies are expected to create a more favorable environment for mining operations in the state. Through the reversal of regulatory burdens, approving legislation to streamline permitting, incentivizing increased resource development and supporting state’s rights, the new administration is full steam ahead. In Alaska, this could mean reducing regulatory hurdles to enable mining companies to expedite operations, leading to increased production and economic benefits for the state. One of the most notable aspects of Trump's approach to governance is his commitment to reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. The president has already issued numerous executive orders aimed at rolling back regulations that were seen as obstacles to economic growth. To date, he has rescinded 78 Biden-era executive orders, actions and memoranda. This includes reversing policies relating to natural resource development. By declaring a national energy emergency, the president is focused on rising energy costs and a commitment to promoting domestic energy production. Another key policy initiative the new administration has focused on is legislation aimed at streamlining the permitting process for energy projects, including mining operations. Under the current system, obtaining the necessary permits for mining projects can be a lengthy and complex process, often involving multiple federal and state agencies. The administration seeks to work with congressional leaders to simplify this process by establishing a more efficient and coordinated permitting framework. For Alaska's mining industry, permitting reform could result in faster approval times for new projects, reducing the time and costs associated with regulatory compliance. This, in turn, could attract more investment to the state, as mining companies would be more likely to pursue projects in a regulatory environment that is conducive to timely and cost-effective development. The increased investment could lead to job creation and economic growth, benefiting local communities and the state's economy. President Trump has consistently advocated for increased resource development as a means of boosting economic growth and energy independence. In Alaska, this approach is particularly relevant given the state's rich mineral resources. The administration's policies are expected to promote more drilling, mining and logging activities, creating opportunities for the mining industry to expand its operations. The success of Trump's policies in benefiting Alaska's mining industry is also likely to be bolstered by strong support from state officials. Gov. Mike Dunleavy and other political leaders in Alaska have expressed their backing for Trump's He’s back! Trump will benefit Alaska miners The Alaska Miner Winter 2025 4
www.AlaskaMiners.org 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! pro-mining stance, viewing it as a way to stimulate the state's economy and create jobs. This alignment between federal and state priorities can enhance the effectiveness of the administration's policies, ensuring they are implemented smoothly and effectively. State officials also have taken steps to support the mining industry, such as advocating for infrastructure improvements that facilitate mining operations. By working in tandem with the federal government, Alaska's political leaders can help create a more favorable environment for the mining industry to thrive. President Trump's return to office is expected to bring significant benefits to Alaska's mining industry through the reversal of environmental restrictions, the implementation of the Energy Permitting Reform Act, increased resource development and strong support from state officials. While there are potential challenges and criticisms to address, the overall outlook for the mining industry in Alaska under Trump's administration is positive. By creating a more favorable regulatory environment and promoting resource development, Trump's policies have the potential to drive economic growth and job creation in the state's mining sector. Lorali Simon is Vice President of External Affairs for Usibelli Coal Mine Fireweed Strategies LLC has expanded our Alaska team for our Alaska magazines for 2025, including The Alaska Miner and other AMA publications. Will Leschper is now leading all content, design and production for our Alaska Miners Association as will other Fireweed publications including those of the Alaska Support Industry Alliance and the Resource Development Council for Alaska. He has been the designer and production manager of AMA publications since 2019. Will is a nationally recognized writer and photographer, and a frequent contributor to national magazines with more than 20 years in publishing. Direct news, photos and story requests for the Miner to Will (leschperw@gmail.com). Mary (Leschper) Schaper is now supporting business and advertising for all Fireweed publications for 2025. Mary has over a decade of experience in energy policy communications in Washington, D.C., with roles on U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s staff, on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and at the American Petroleum Institute. Mary is the primary contact for advertising and financial questions (mary@lunastrategiesdc.com). Lee Leschper remains the CEO of Fireweed Strategies, an Anchorage-based LLC founded in 2015 to share the full story of Alaska’s resource development industries. As some of you may have heard, Lee was involved in an accident last fall, but he remains committed to Fireweed’s mission while continuing his recovery. Fireweed Strategies publishes unique magazines that connect key industries with diverse audiences while highlighting resource development’s impact on the state’s economy and national security. Note from Publisher Fireweed Strategies
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Permitting and Land Management Principles LjuimstiifticEaStAiolnisatinndgscoamndplcertieticcaolsht-abbeintaetfidt easniaglnyasteiso.ns to those with established and rigorous scientific RF iensacliinzde lBaLnMd ’csoCnovnesyearnvcaetsi otno at hned SLtaant ed socfaAplea sHkeaaal tnhdrAu ll ae s. k a N a t i v e C o r p o r a t i o n s a n d r e s c i n d a l l f e d e r a l awnidthAdNraIwLCaAls. and public land orders established by the Secretary of Interior under ANCSA §17 (d)(1) RReeaquutirheoreivzaeluthaetioAnlaoskf athLeamndinUesrealCpooutnecnitli.al in any area subject to federal land use planning. Require R EU n e S i s G n u S s r t te a o t t e f r u a U l n f S i s l A b l o C it u E s n ’ A s d N A a I p r L y p C e mA n i d m n i i x i n n g C e r i p s a r s l o u r c e e e s p d o a u r r r e t e i n a s d g r d e a r l n a e d t s i s n a e s g d s t e o ts h s N r m o H u e P g n A h t S m c e o a c o n t p i d o e a n r t a e 1 t s 0 io . 6 n . between the State of Alaska aEnnds unreei gf ehdbeorrai nl aggCeanncai edsi aenn gpar goev iinncliaanl da nadn dt errer istoourri aclegmo vaenrangme me netnst. p l a n n i n g a n d d e c i s i o n m a k i n g wcointhsdisrtaewntawls iothf lAaNndILsCoAr ,winactleurdsiwngitphrinohainbditisnugrrtohuenddeisniggnAaltaisoknao. f wilderness-like lands and similar Aao nfmdweiannydf. rTa si ttlreuXc It ut or er ce oqruriirdeotrhse, troe ct ho emPmr ee sniddaetni ot na nodf tf raac ni l si tpaot er tsatthi oeni sasnuda nuct ei l iot yf as uy tsht eomr i sz ,aitni oc nl usdai nn dg rr oi gahdtss
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The Alaska Miner Winter 2025 12 Alaska Night at the A The Alaska Miners Association hosted Alaska Night at the AME-Roundup Convention on Jan. 22. "The place was packed and the mood was great. I saw a lot of Alaskans, talked to a bunch of people interested in working in Alaska, and I had a wonderful time." - Zoom Hundreds from the exploration, operations, and contracting sectors attended to discuss Alaska’s place in the global mining marketplace. Conversation was focused around Alaska’s mineral potential and the industry’s superb reputation in Alaska. Alaska Night provided a venue for new introductions to those interested in Alaska, and a place for those to meet longtime Alaska miners with plenty of knowledge and stories to share. AMA remains greatly privileged to continually host the Alaska Night reception, and we do so through contributions from our sponsors. Thank you to our sponsors and to everyone who attended the evening.
www.AlaskaMiners.org 13 Association of Mineral Exploration of British Columbia Roundup
The Alaska Miner Winter 2025 14 Alaska Night at the A THANK YOU ALL FOR SPONSORING ALASKA NIGHT 3-Tier Alaska Alaska Log Works Inc. Alaska Midnight Sun Drilling Inc Alaska Minerals, Inc. Ambler Metals BGC Engineering, Inc. Childs Geoscience Inc. Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC Cyr Drilling USA Inc. Doyon, Limited Freegold Ventures Limited Fuse & Traverse, LLC Graphite One Inc HDR Hecla Mining Company Heliostar Metals Ltd Hope Mining Company, Inc. Horst Expediting and Remote Operations, Inc JP Tangen, Attorney at Law (P.C.) Just Refiners USA, Inc. Logic Geophysics MDF Global MES Mining NANA Northern Permafrost Consulting NOVAGOLD Resources, Inc. Nuna LLC Owl Ridge Natural Resource Consultants, Inc. Pacific Rim Geological Consulting Piton Exploration, LLC R A Hughes & Associates Rangefront Mining Services Ruen Drilling, Inc. SLR Consulting SMS Equipment Inc Solvest Inc. SRK Consulting Stantec Consulting Services Stoel Rives LLP Storm Exploration LLC Techline Alaska Tectonic Metals, Inc. Timberline Drilling Inc Top Shelf Realty Tubutulik Mining Co. LLC Tundra Consulting U.S. GoldMining Inc Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. Valhalla Metals Inc. Western Alaska Minerals Yukuskokon Professional Services, LLC Zinnolithic LLC
www.AlaskaMiners.org 15 Association of Mineral Exploration of British Columbia Roundup
The Alaska Miner Winter 2025 16 Mary Anita Nordale, public servant, attorney and advocate for Alaska, passed away in Fairbanks Dec. 22, 2024, at the age of 90. Upon her passing, those in our AMA family that worked with Mary shared the fondest memories. Some of them include: We moved to Fairbanks from Anchorage in 1993 to take the Project Manager's position for the Ryan Lode Project of La Teko Resources. Mary came with the package as our corporate lawyer. She did a fantastic job of keeping us out of trouble and in compliance with borough, state and federal laws and regulations. She became a good friend as well as our personal lawyer. We (Virginia and I) are saddened to hear of her passing. She lived only 2 blocks from our home in Hamilton Acres but moved to the Pioneer Homes recently. We will miss her greatly. The amount of love and effort she put into mining was awesome. There is an encyclopedic resume of her accomplishments, but my two cents in recognition of a friend, a colleague, a cohort and as an admirer, is she was always knowledgeable, cordial, gracious and an outstanding contributor to the Alaska mining industry in multiple roles. Mary was born in Fairbanks on April 8, 1934, to Alton Gerald Nordale, a territorial legislator, and Katherine Driscoll Nordale, delegate to the Alaska Constitutional Convention, both role models in her service through government. Her paternal grandfather, Anton (Tony) Nordale, also had a long history of civic engagement, including serving on the first Board Mary Nordale left lasting legacy of service in Alaska For media kits, advertising rates, news tips and stories ideas, and information on future issues email Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com or call 907-957-6025. Want to be part of the Good News of Alaska Mining? Be a part of every issue of The Alaska Miner, official magazine of the Alaska Miners Association and representing Alaska’s miners and mining industry (AlaskaMiners.org). We tell the stories nobody else does. The Alaska Miner is distributed by mail and online quarterly statewide to Alaska leaders, in and outside mining. Complimentary subscriptions are available on request by email to admin@FireweedStrategies.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s honor can be made to the Alaska Mining Hall of Fame at www.alaskamininghalloffame. org/contribute.php.
www.AlaskaMiners.org 17 of Regents of the University of Alaska. Her maternal grandfather, J.C. Driscoll, served as mayor of Reardon, Washington. Mary spent her childhood in Fairbanks and then Juneau where she graduated from Juneau Douglas High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University that included time studying at the University of Vienna. She later obtained a Juris Doctor from George Washington University. Mary worked as a staff member for Sen. E.L. "Bob" Bartlett, when he was both a delegate and an elected member of the United States Senate after Statehood. The Bartletts, including Bob, Vide, Doris Ann and Susie, were her family’s closest and life-long friends. While working for Sen. Bartlett, Mary was actively involved in crafting Statehood legislation. She later assisted in in the early stages of the Alaska Native land claims movement and contributed to the development of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Upon returning to Alaska in 1968, Mary served as Assistant U.S. Attorney and then Assistant District Attorney for the State of Alaska. She then worked as branch counsel for the Small Business Administration and later entered private practice, specializing in business and mining law. Mary served as Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue from 1984 to 1986. Encouraged by Juneau colleagues, she became involved with the Alaska Miners Association, including becoming president to the Juneau chapter. Mary returned to her beloved Fairbanks where her contributions to Alaska extended far beyond her legal career. She helped found Fairbanks Resource Agency after the 1967 Chena River flood. Later, Mary helped establish the FRANK (Frustrated Responsible Alaskans Needing Knowledge) Initiative, which called for the study and passage of a general obligation bond that covered costs associated with moving Alaska’s capital from Juneau. Mary served on several boards, including Interior Gas Utility, Alaska Humanities Forum and the UAF College of Engineering Advisory Board. From 2004 to 2011, she served as the first female president of Alaska Miners Association and later as a Director Emeritus. She was instrumental in drafting bylaws to establish the Alaska Mining Hall of Fame, where she served as a Director and Officer. She enjoyed great conversations, reading, cooking, spending summers at Harding Lake, music (especially opera), travel and staying current on national and international news. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brother James and sister-in-law Sheila. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Meg, Molly, Jim and Dan Nordale, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
The Alaska Miner Winter 2025 18 What is your role with Hecla and how did you get into the industry? My role is Community Relations and Engagement. I am born and raised in Juneau. I had always known that the Greens Creek mine, and later the Coeur Alaska Kensington mine, were operating nearby while I was growing up, but didn’t see myself working in the industry. I’m very glad that changed! I joined Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company in 2020 during COVID, helping to navigate logistics and evolving local legislation during the pandemic — it was quite an interesting time to join! Who was your mentor in this industry and what did they teach you that remains true today? Heather Nelson continues to be my mentor in Community Relations, and Debra Ore in Human Resources; both ladies have can-do attitudes and go above and beyond what is asked of them. Every employee or community member that they interact with ends up better off than before. They truly emulate the saying that it doesn’t necessarily matter what you said or did, but it matters how you make people feel. What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? Experienced miners might seem like a tough crowd, and they might give you a hard time at first, but deep down they are some of the kindest (and funniest!) people you’ll meet. Don’t be afraid to ask the “dumb” questions, because they do truly want to help you out, and keep you safe. What would you do differently? There are so many facets to an operating mine — if I could do it over again, I would try to learn as much as possible about each area, department, and process as quickly as I could. That way, I’d be able to pass that information onto new miners to potentially open them up to new paths and passions they had never thought about before. What was one experience you will never forget? My first time at the Greens Creek mine. I went underground and stayed in our camp. My perception of the underground world was vastly different from before and after my first trip under. It was so much bigger, warmer, safer, and more advanced I thought! And I figured the camp would be bare bones, and not very comfortable — but it’s the complete opposite! You have all the comforts of home at a In each issue of The Alaska Miner, we recognize a member of our Alaska mining community. This issue we are interviewing Chelsea Flint, Community Relations and Engagement Specialist for Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company. Faces of Mining Chelsea said she enjoys the camaraderie that comes with her job. Chelsea Flint Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company
www.AlaskaMiners.org 19 developed camp facility. What do you love most about this business? All the career opportunities! An operating mine is like a tiny town — there are accountants running numbers, operators maintaining water utilities, electricians installing powerlines, mechanics fixing flat tires, medics helping keep people healthy — you name it, and there is likely a career path you’d be interested in the mining industry. Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? In 50 years, I see Alaska’s mining industry thriving, driven by our state’s true yet-to-be-realized mineral potential. Innovations in mining technology will enhance efficiency and create even safer working environments. Alaska’s future in mining is one of growth and leadership in responsible resource development. What do you see as our biggest challenges? And opportunities? Perceptions. Managing people’s perceptions of the mining industry is both a challenge and an opportunity. In Alaska, we have the ability to mine responsibly and sustainably, balancing economic benefits with environmental stewardship. By highlighting these efforts and addressing misconceptions, I can help folks have an informed perspective on modern mining. What keeps you awake at night? What keeps me awake at night in my role in community relations is the hope that I’m truly making a difference—educating the public, creating understanding, and accurately representing our mining community. I want to ensure that the information I share is clear, honest, and meaningful, bridging the gap between industry and community in a way that builds trust and lasting relationships. What does AMA mean to you? The Alaska Miners Association is a community that strengthens our industry and the people in it. AMA plays a huge role in pushing mining forward in a positive way, making sure our voice is heard and our work is understood. It also connects us with others in the industry, giving us a network of people who’ve “been there” before and are willing to share their knowledge. What do like to do for fun? The best part of living in Alaska is the access to the outdoors — I love the spring days where you can be in the mountains skiing in the backcountry in the morning, and on the boat headed to a beach bonfire in the afternoon. I revel in the ability to get outdoors and be the only person around for miles — and it is so easy and accessible to make that happen here in Southeast Alaska.
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Make your plans now! AMA and Alaska Metal Mines will host the third annual Juneau Mining Forum on Feb. 25 from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Baranof Hotel, Treadwell Room. The forum will educate members of the Legislature, staff, administration, industry representatives and the Juneau public on mining issues. Program n 7 a.m.: Doors Open, Breakfast Is Served n 7:30 a.m.: Welcome Remarks by Alaska Miners Association and Alaska Metal Mines n 7:40 a.m.: Federal Issues Panel n 8:30 a.m.: ANCSA 7i Discussion n 9:15 a.m.: Break n 9:30 a.m.: Alaska’s Mining Workforce Panel n 10:15 a.m.: Energy at Alaska’s Mines n 11:15 a.m.: Critical Minerals Overview By ISER n Noon: Lunch Panel Featuring Managers of Alaska’s Mines n 1:30 p.m.: Mining and The Environment Discussion n 2:30 p.m.: Adjourn Juneau Mining Forum n 5 p.m.: Legislative Reception hosted by Alaska Miners Association, Alaska Trucking Association and Associated General Contractors of Alaska in the same room (Treadwell Room at Baranof) Alaska Airlines has generously offered a discount code for travel. Use code ECMK963 when booking. Register online: https:// alma.memberclicks.net/miningforum. Third Annual Alaska Mining Forum In Juneau The Alaska Miner Winter 2025 22
www.AlaskaMiners.org 23 Visit us at usibelli.com WE ARE USIBELLI COAL MINE. Coal is our business. Community at our core. AMA goes to Washington! AMA Board Chair Lorali Simon and I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Inauguration in Washington, D.C. and associated events. I have to say, being in D.C. during the transition of a president is probably something I would never venture out on my own to do, but we were blessed to be hosted by Rich and Heather Nolan (Rich is the CEO of National Mining Association). We attended events where we saw our Alaska friends and the Ohio Inaugural Ball, and then watched the Capitol as our administration changed. Walking around the city, it was abuzz with energy and optimism. There was real work too, meetings with our delegation including newly sworn in Congressman Nick Begich and his staff, and Congressman Stauber from Minnesota, as well as U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (above). I left with a to-do list as long as my arm, but for so many good reasons! — AMA Executive Director Deantha Skibinski
The Alaska Miner Winter 2025 24 Up to $300,000 will be used for curriculum on natural resources, jobs Alaska Resource Education is excited to announce the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded ARE up to $300,000 in funding as part of its Clean Energy Careers for All program. The program supports educational nonprofits with a mission of spreading awareness about careers in the energy sector. “This funding will benefit hundreds of students by allowing us to further our mission of spreading awareness about Alaska’s natural resources industries and the many amazing careers within those industries,” said Ella Ede, executive director for ARE. ARE will engage high school students in a comprehensive curriculum that highlights Alaska’s natural resources and the associated diverse career opportunities, with an emphasis on Alaska’s minerals and their importance in the development of renewable energy. This will be part of ARE’s Our Alaska program within the Anchorage School District’s Career Academics and at Kusilvak Career Academy. The funds will also help educators from the Lower 48 travel to Alaska and participate in ARE’s Natural Resource Management Externship and shadow ARE's Rockstars and Amped on Energy programs. ARE is passionate about Alaska’s future leaders. The nonprofit hopes to inspire students to explore careers within the state. ARE’s curriculum informs students about Alaska's natural resources, including the resource development industry and its role in Alaska’s economy, as well as the potential risks and cutting-edge safety measures. ARE’s curriculum is engaging, hands-on, and includes lessons for all ages. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded seven nonprofits this funding as part of CEC4A which supports workforce development programs that promote STEM education and exposure to renewable energy career options. ARE and the other nonprofits are eligible to receive additional funding based on their performance during the initial phase. About Alaska Resource Education ARE provides statewide educational opportunities to students and teachers. We distribute innovative K-12 education curriculum that meets Alaska State Science Standards and has been aligned with the common core in social studies, language arts, and math. By collaborating with industry professionals and educators, ARE aims to spark an interest in students about Alaska’s natural resources. Our curriculum is fun and hands-on. Founded in 1982, ARE is funded through state and federal grants, and corporate and individual donations. The 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit is a partnership between the State of Alaska Department of Education and private companies engaged in the resource industries. Alaska Resource Education awarded federal funding Photo Courtesy ARE
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We've installed our new AMA Board of Directors for 2025! Watch for the spring issue of The Alaska Miner for profiles of our entire Board of Directors. Our board of directors, executive leadership and committees are among the most engaged advocates for Alaska and Alaska mining. Please thank our board and officers for their service and consider joining one of our standing committees. For more information, contact Executive Director Deantha Skibinski. AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Lorali Simon, Usibelli Coal Mine, Anchorage FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: Blake Bogart, Graphite One, Inc., Nome SECOND VICE PRESIDENT: Houston Morris, Industrial Pumps of Alaska, Kenai AMA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Ted Hawley Ethan Trickey Dave Larimer Jan Hill Jason Hart Ken Hughes Robert Fithian AMA DIRECTORS ANCHORAGE Chairman: Ted Hawley, HDR Inc. Vice Chairman: Victor Ross, Stantec Consulting Sarah Erkmann Ward, Blueprint Alaska Enric Fernandez, Donlin Gold Clayton Gooden, NANA Regional Corp. Matthew Hanson, Doyon Ltd. Richard Lessard, Retired Geologist Ramona Monroe, Stoel Rives LLP Jeanine Schmidt, Economic Geologist John Shively, Pebble Limited Partnership Alycia Thomas, NMS Varina Zinno DENALI Chairman: Ethan Trickey, Usibelli Coal Mine Colin Keith, Usibelli Coal Mine FAIRBANKS Chairman: Dave Larimer, Nuna Geologic Services Vice Chairman: Zoom Szumigala, Geologist Bonnie Broman, Valhalla Metals AK Inc. Tom Bundtzen, Pacific Rim Geological Consulting Ken Hall, Lynden Transport Denise Herzog, Tower Hill Mines Inc. - Livengood Project Wendie MacNaughton, Northern Star (Pogo) LLC Paul Manuel, Paul & Company Steve Masterman, SOA DGGS Clark Milne Brenna Shaake, Kinross Alaska Bob Tsigonis, Lifewater Engineering HAINES Chairman: Jan Hill Vice Chairman: Liz Cornejo Ann Quinlan James Sage JUNEAU Chairman: Jason Hart, Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company Vice Chairman: Jim Clark Vice Chairman: Jesse Walker, Coeur Mining, Inc. Kyle Beebe, Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company Frank Bergstrom Rochelle Lindley, Coeur Alaska - Kensington Mine Kelly Moore, Alaska Marine Lines Cory Ortiz, UAS - School of Career Education KENAI Chairman: Houston Morris, Industrial Pumps of Alaska Bill Bieber, Mining and Petroleum Training Service Alan Noraker, Industrial Pumps of Alaska KETCHIKAN/PRINCE OF WALES Chairman: Robert Fithian, Sundance Mining Group James Barker, Cathedral Rock Enterprises LLC Steve Kemble, Tyler Rental, Inc. NOME Chairman: Ken Hughes, Nanook Mining Co., LLC Vice Chairman: Blake Bogart, Graphite One, Inc. John Odden, Sample Archive System John Reid, Western Gold Exploration DIRECTORS EMERITUS Steve Borell Roger Burggraf Jim Clark Curt Freeman Howard Grey Richard Hughes Bill Jeffress David Manzer Dick Mylius Jeanine Schmidt Don Stevens JP Tangen
Alaska Miners Association 2025 Leadership
The Alaska Miner Winter 2025 28 Meg Smith, Chuck Hawley Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by Bill Bieber It is my pleasure to present this year’s Chuck Hawley Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. This award is named in honor of the longtime AMA member and former Executive Director Emeritus who dedicated his entire career to advancing Alaska’s mining industry. It recognizes the service contributions of a mining industry pioneer, individual, or employee who, like Chuck, devoted his professional life to ensuring a successful mining industry in Alaska. This individual has spent over 30 years in our industry. She has held a number of HR positions in mining projects and operations, including the Greens Creek Mine, Kensington Mine, Usibelli Coal Mine, Donlin Gold Project and the Manh Choh Mine. In particular, this individual was involved in a number of mine startups which is always labor intensive and requires a lot of diligence in getting contractors to hire locally and a lot of patience working with the workforce in the development process. She was instrumental in always championing Alaska hire at all of the mines and projects she worked at, and was always forward thinking in regards to workforce development and high school pathways to mining. She was very instrumental in developing the Alaskan Mining Workforce Development plan. And coached AMA staff through its administration. This plan required a significant amount of her efforts working with all of the Alaska mines, universities, colleges trade schools and regional demographics, and it came together due to her work. Any time someone mentions Alaska mining human resources, her name is generally in the conversation. Meg Smith has spent a lifetime fostering and championing the Alaskan workforce, and it was pleasure to nominate her for the Chuck Hawley Lifetime Achievement Award.
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