Dear Alaska Miners and Friends of Alaska Mining, This is going to make me sound crazy, but I really do love fall in Alaska. The golden colors of the leaves, the first termination dust to signal beautiful snow is headed our way, CHRISTMAS… okay, sorry. Fall also means another election and our annual convention are just weeks away! My dad, a guy who has the funniest one liners of anyone I know, would say “I’m busier than a one-armed paper hanger!” We really have been, from celebrating our 85th anniversary, promoting the industry across the state, and speaking to political candidates. We’ve had powerful new facts to share with our mining economic impact report released this summer, which details benefits realized in the past year including: n $740 million in new Alaska mine exploration and development in 2023; n $1.1 billion spent on and with more than 450 Alaska businesses; n $235 million paid to Alaska Native corporations; and n $136 million back into state government. We have had dozens of meetings at communities throughout Alaska, with members of the community and business sectors as well as candidates for office. It’s our mission to make sure that these present and future leaders know the real facts about our industry, including how critical mining is to the Alaska economy. Karen Matthias from Alaska Metal Mines and I met with many candidates in person to share the critical role that mining in Alaska plays for the state, nation, and the world, and our story of doing it right hre at home. We invited them to tell us in writing where they stand, and you will see their submissions throughout this issue. Many candidates responded, but some did not, despite multiple requests. I can’t imagine how hectic their lives are at the moment, so if a candidate from your district did not provide a profile, I encourage you to google their websites and learn more about your options. At AMA we do not endorse political candidates, but we do try to inform you of their views on Alaska and our industry. No matter where you stand on candidates or issues, please vote! Elections matter, especially in our state, where races can often be decided by just a handful of votes. Election Day happens to be on the Tuesday of our convention, so please vote early. If you don’t, you’ve got a backup plan, as City Hall across the street from the Convention will have ballots for every district in the state. You have no excuse not to vote! In late September, we spent a wonderful week at MINExpo, the once-every-four-years event that highlights the mining industry nationwide. For the first time, AMA and many of our members were represented with a booth at MINExpo and a chance to tell our story directly. It was VERY popular and beneficial for us! Inside you’ll also see a few words from our national president Rich Nolan, who came to Alaska in October to speak to the Alaska State Chamber. Rich provides one more reflection that the industry understands the importance of Alaska. I am so thankful that Rich, and his amazing wife Heather, came to Alaska and made contacts with so many of our miners. I am also thankful at the many members who rolled out the red carpet for them and made their trip a once in a lifetime experience. Looking toward our Convention: much of this magazine is devoted to the annual convention coming in just a couple of weeks. We expect to continue to have record attendance again this year, and our trade show is already sold out. We are excited to bring a great convention that includes impressive technical sessions, lots of opportunities to network and a chance to meet hundreds of vendors who serve our industry. And let’s just admit it, we’re ready to see old friends and have a lot of fun! In closing, I reflect on our old friends that we lost this year; they are featured in this issue. They will be honored and remembered at the convention as well. See you there! Deantha Skibinski AMA Executive Director Executive Director’s Report www.AlaskaMiners.org 1 Please see complete AMA Convention coverage on Pages 36-49 and visit our website at AlaskaMiners.org for more information.
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