What Mining Means To Alaskans
I became a Gold Miner when Fort Knox Gold Mine gave me an opportunity to join their Team, four years ago. I graduated from UAF with a AA degree in Process Technology on a Sunday, interviewed at Fort Knox Gold Mine on Wednesday and was offered a job in the Mill as an Operator on Friday. My education at UAF included some Mining classes that really helped me get hired out at Fort Knox. Since being at the Mine, I have quickly moved into the Control Room where I am now a Control Room Operator III.
Mining has given me the chance to provide for my wife and two sons in a way that would be hard without going "up north" to work for an Oil Company. I've been there. I did a Summer Internship with BP and learned a lot, but the 2 weeks away from my family was horrible. At Fort Knox my schedule allows me to be home every day, and still only work 14 days a month. Sure, 7 of those are night shifts, but at least I can make it home in time to spend some time with the family before I sack out. A far cry better than long distance phone calls every day for 2 weeks. And at Fort I still get 7 days off in a row (a mini-vacation) a month. To sum it all up, Mining has been very, very good to me. Thank you for letting me tell my story.
I have poured concrete at four mines in Alaska, Red Dog, Pogo, Kensington and just finished at Rock Creek and I'm going to Fort Knox to make it five. Mines mean work for me, at very good wages.
I was raised in mining industries. My father was a mining engineer. I was raised in the four corners region of the U.S. mining Gold, silver, uranium, lead, zinc and copper. I spent the past 30 years in the mechanical industries; Oil fields and equipment dealerships. If you are going to have a stable and dependable economy statewide you need to develop the minerals that are available. These need to be responsibly developed. We need the development of the great and extensive deposits of minerals in this state. There are so many positive aspects to this situation; employment for all Alaskans, economic stability, depletion of statewide poverty, higher education systems in place, and money to make these things possible.
Christopher A., Anchorage
The truth is simple; if it is not mined or grown, you can't have it! I'm all for mining in an environmentally sound fashion. I'm a small time gold miner, running around the state with a four inch suction dredge. After a single flood, you can't tell I've been dredging. Large mines can be made to look natural when the mining is done, and the mining can be done in a safe way, providing jobs, adding to the wealth, and without killing fish streams!
In their enthusiasm to stop the Pebble mine members of the Renewable Resource Coalition have sponsored an initiative for “An act to protect Alaska’s clean water” The so called "clean water initiative" is not about fish or clean water as the proponents would have one believe. With the initiative’s wide sweeping ramifications it should be titled “Stop mining initiative”.
This would be the most devastating thing to happen to the mineral industry in Alaska in it's entire history.
Every future potential mining proposal should have the right to be heard based on it’s own merits and not defeated by overreaching blanket prohibitions before the proposal can even be heard. If passed into law it will be the end of new money coming into Alaska for the purpose of mineral development. The initiative would shut down exploration and development work already in progress on several prospective mines throughout the state eliminating the jobs and revenue stream generated by such work. In addition, mining claims located on state land that are currently paying lease payments to the state will be dropped in large number costing the state millions of dollars in lease payment revenue.
Responsible development of mineral resources is the responsibility of developed nations like ourselves. The current permitting process is very stringent and has many time and money consuming requirements already in place that protect “Alaska’s clean water”.
If we continue to lock up our resources and let countries like China supply minerals, from their largely unregulated lands, we will suffer environmental disasters on a world wide scene of mass proportions.
Do any of the proponents of this terrible idea have any qualms about the rest of the world's unregulated mining and the potential pollution?
Not developing minerals under our current rigid environmental permitting process in Alaska and the rest of the U.S.A. is really short sited and devastating when considering the alternatives of supplying minerals that the entire planet uses and demands.
I’ve been involved in writing the environmental assessment documents and field compliance work on federal mining claims in Northern Alaska and the Seward Peninsula for more that 28 years before retiring from Federal Service. When I first joined the US Bureau of Land Management in 1979 as a geologist, Surface Reclamation Regulations were brand new. I have watched the Federal regulatory process develop and have come, first hand from the enforcement side, to appreciate the effectiveness of the regulatory framework that came about by several iterations over a multi-year time span. The current program written by technically competent, experienced geologists and engineers in the Washington DC Headquarters of the US Department of the Interior and modification of those proposed regulations by the public review and comment, by input from professional earth science organizations and by tempered, experienced, and technically competent industry representatives. It’s been my experience that the system works.
The State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources has a similar regulatory process and has put in place enforcement and environmental oversight mechanisms within the Division of Mining and the Large Mine Permitting Team. These units are staffed by technically competent individuals to enforce the State Statutes that have been developed by a competent, technical process with public review and input. Over the years, I have worked with these field examiners on joint inspections and am confident in their mandates and environmental oversight of mining operations process.
I'm curious to find out why so many titanium and graphite oriented fishermen who specialize in high-tech 21st Century fishing equipment are worried about the improved technical nature of the 21st Century mining industry; the very people responsible for the materials required to enhance their high-tech, purist passion for fishing. Unlike previous generations, we don't fish with cane poles and carved ivory hooks and today's mining enhancements make it nearly impossible to fail. I believe it's time to engage each camp and move forward to the betterment of both worlds. We can fish and mine in the same streams if we understand and address high-tech progress and high-tech expectations.
Allowing the mining operations to go through the process, and be regulated, as it is now is the correct way to handle this entire issues. Having the ability to work in other well paying industries and offer our young people the ability to have jobs in their home areas is better than training them to leave the area. The other groups that are supposed to be helping us gain economic stability in our western area have FAILED miserably. Let us develop out resources and prosper!
I grew up around the mining industry, worked there "before" oil and spent several years mining myself. Mining will be here after oil runs out. Alaska was first discovered through the small miner and prospector. I have a lot of hard working friends that need some relief from bureaucratic attack so they can feed their families and contribute to the economy of the state without constant hassle.
I think mining means everything to the nana region area especially to the shareholders and the jobs it provides to the nana region area. I know it would devastated the nana region area if they closed the mine, and for what? They think it's bad for the environment? No its not. I think those are lies seeing the commercials they came out with, especially with the "global warming" no one can stop the warming and they should have moved the Kivallina village when they seen the signs of wear on their village. It's not NANA's fault for erosion; it was and is natural what had happen to their village. They should find someone else to blame instead of NANA Corp. If they think so badly of the company then why are they still NANA region shareholders? I think they shouldn't be one at all for their problems and lies they are spreading about the company. They are wrongfully accusing the Red Dog mine for contaminations and such they did not do. I think the mine should not be closed because of them, they are thinking about themselves but yet they have nothing to say when they get those big NANA checks in the mail do they? They should realize what they are doing is affecting the NANA region area not only theirs. What are they going to do when a lot of jobs are taken away because of them? Are they going to provide jobs and living costs to the people who lost their jobs because of them? No they wouldn't help. All they care for is themselves and not the whole NANA community. I think they are trying to find someone to blame for their problems and NANA isn't certainly it. They need to leave the Red Dog mine alone and start on their lives. They don't realize what they are doing is going to lose a lot of people's jobs and affect the NANA revenue for the shareholder dividends and in the long run, there will be a big unemployment rate in the NANA region area for the loss of the mine if it does close. So I urge you all to think of the consequences and what it can do to the mine and the NANA region area. Thank you.
Mining has always been a passion of mine, since a high school teacher first introduced me to mineral exploration and processing. Since then, I have gone on to further my education in the subject and now work in the mining industry. Not only does it support me, but it also supports others in my family. My father is a salesman and a large portion of the products he sells goes to mines and their processing facilities. My grandfather was in the same business, and my great grandfather was in the railroad business, which greatly relied on mining at the turn of the century, and still does today. I am sure if most people studied how mining affects their well-being, they will find that it has a significant positive effect on their family's history.
I have seen how devastating mining can be to the community when companies are not held responsible and mining sites are not continuously monitored. However, mining in todays world doesn't exist without proper measures to hold companies accountable and maintain that operations do not hurt their surroundings. One of my goals as a new engineer is to show people how necessary mining is in our society, and to show that mines today are responsible for their actions. People that work in mines live in the same places that would be adversely affected, so it is in their best interest to keep it clean. The government also has strict regulations in place to operate mines, and only mines that can operate within those regulations can start up and continue to operate. If a mine can operate within the boundaries set by the government and community, than it should be supported. If it is not supported, that is hypocrisy at its finest. Setting regulations is good and shows that mining can go on if it does not overstep its bounds. So many people today support setting regulations, but when a mining operation shows that it can operate in those regulations, they try to change the laws so that mining cannot happen. This needs to stop.
Mining is arguably the most import industry on the earth today, in that it allows us to advance in technology and well-being. Without mining, many other industries would fail. Just look around your house at all the things that come from mining, remembering that if it can't be grown, it has to be mined. Vitamins and mineral supplements, all the metal in your home must be mined or produced from scrapped metal. Anything that has a circuit board contains materials that must be mined and cannot be recycled. Energy required to power your house comes from mining operations. Even the foundation that your house is built on comes from quarries and cement processing facilities. If you want to stop mining, you should also stop using materials that are mined. You will find that it cannot be done, and it is a necessity that makes life possible in todays world.
Mining has provided a wonderful way for my family to spend time together. It has so many things to offer. One is you get enjoy the wonderful outdoors of Alaska, we get to enjoy the animals we see. The clean water that we get to drink. It is so nice to get away from the rush of everyday life. Ours kids look forward to this time we spend with them and the joy of being able to fine gold in a creek; it is like a treasure hunt you just never know where it might be. So for me mining has kept our family close, and it has built many memories for us in the past 10 years. It is something we think about all winter and can't wait to get started again in the summer. I would hate for all that to go away. So weather it is for a big mining company or small family mining it would be a devastating to stop mining in Alaska. It plays a much bigger part in life than people realize.
As a retiree from the IBM Corp I recall how dependent the high tech world is for needing gold in many of the components of our electronic hardware. While the world may have many sources for the precious metal, I'd be interested in knowing the volume produced in Alaska and used by U.S. based 'industry'.
With a little more time on my hands, interested in the spirit of self discovery.......the wife and I participate in recreational mining, teaching students the 'art' of gold panning, and are part owners in some gold claims. We also support several family businesses who depend upon serious recreational 'visitor/tourist' gold mining. We would hate to lose that right to the satisfaction of a few 'greenies' who are trying to shut down the industry.
We also have serious concerns for those persons who would lose their livehood, carreers, and add to local unemployment. Doesn't matter to us if the company setting up Pebble is Canadian.....these folks are mostly "American" anyway.
The approach your organization is taking in this matter is good, honest, and appreciated. We support you and will help get the word to our friends and neighbors.
Thanks to the Gent who presented at the Anchorage chapter of the GPAA last Thursday! Good Job!!
Red Dog is where I work; it is how I make a living for myself, and my family. If the mine were to shut down, myself and many other great Alaskans would be out of a good paying job.
I have been employed in exploration and mining in Alaska since 1979. If the initiatives pass, my means of making a living will evaporate. It will literally take food off my family's table. It will be that dramatic.
Mining is the very heart of Alaska's economy. Oil drilling and development is mining. These anti-mining proposals are only a "foot in the doorway," if you will, to impeding or prohibiting any ground breaking of any kind. Be it farming, gardening, recreational prospecting, testing, sampling, or walking on dirt, regardless of ownership or steward. Responsible mining in Alaska should not only be protected from more additional bureaucracy but encouraged and fostered as it will and should be vital to our prosperous and beautiful state's economically and environmentally responsible future.
I am against any group that, Sticks their un-invited noses into the way we Alaskans choose to do business. Whether it is the aerial hunting of destructive over populated predators to stopping the development of our natural resources.
In all of recorded history there is not one incident that is indicated to me that we should not continue to mine. The pipeline hasn't done one bad thing to the wildlife. The current mining operations have to my knowledge, had one single negative impact to the natural resources in that area. Simply, "Butt out".
I moved to Alaska in 1984 not intending to stay but Alaska has become my home for many reasons. I moved here from Coos Bay, Oregon when I was 17. Before I came here, Oregon began to become a much regulated state. Growing up we always had a wood stove. I learned at a young ge to use a double bit ax to split wood. Before I left, you had to have a permit to have a piece of wood in the back of your truck. Something so ordinary to so many people became something regulated. Being a husband and father I try to teach about things that I feel will someday be forgotten. Mining, gold detecting, adventure, fishing are all things that I enjoy. I want my kids to learn the value in such things as well. It is not just outside groups that you must be aware of but also your own state government. I have seen many roads closed; many places that I used to be able to camp closed off in the interest of our state government. Pay to park here, pay to camp here. It is sad the direction this state is going. Don't let the environmentalists dictate what you can or cannot do. Stand up for what this state, what this country, was founded on Independence and freedom. Keep your trails hidden and be careful who you show. Don't forget the secret fishing spot before someone closes your access.
We have owned and operated our placer mining business for the last 20 years in the Fortymile Mining District. Mining is our livelihood. We also own a retail jewelry store where we manufacture jewelry made from our product. We are lifelong Alaskans and have enjoyed being able to make our living in a "truly" Alaskan fashion. However, this industry is constantly under attack for the most part by folks who are clueless as to what a mining operation is all about. They have never talked to a miner or visited a permitted mine. They simple believe all the garbage that our liberal media and a minority of activists tell them. We operate with a wash plant and 100% recycle settling ponds with NO discharge. My husband even mined my rhubarb plants under one year and a few years later they grew back! The foliage, trees and wildflowers do return. Our site is not a baron wasteland. Mining isn't just about making jewelry; it's about most every product in your home and the car you drive. Responsible mining practices are the answer not a shut down.
I worked at Nixon Fork, and I liked it. Now I'm working at Gaines Creek, and I think that they should keep the mining open in Alaska.
Firstly, mining is a huge part of this State's History, which should be respected. Mining also creates MUCH NEEDED jobs for Alaskans, as well as helping to greatly boost this State's economy.
I arrived in Alaska in Feb. 1972, Worked on the north slope, worked at Red Dog mine, worked in Nome at Rock creek mine, and working at FT Knox for the last 6 years. The economic impact of mining being shut down in Alaska is a big factor. I am sure we all know the numbers. But I think we need to look at what the major mines are doing. . . . . The fresh water below FT Knox has bigger burbot, an arctic grayling then there was before the mine started. I was there before the mine started, I fly the area and look and there are more moose in the area also. So I don't understand what the heck is going on. Well maybe I do but anyway what started as a Pebble shut down has snowballed in to a mining shut down you want clean water go to the fresh water dam FT Knox, Cleaner now than before the mine was there. Thanks Rick L
I was born in the Territory of Alaska in the then little town of Anchorage. My father showed me how to pan for gold when I was a kid, and I've been hooked on prospecting ever since. The old-timers are my heroes, and my dream all these years has been of making that big strike. And to discover something previously unknown.
I started small and learned the business from the ground up. My interest in prospecting led to the founding of Alaska Mining & Diving Supply, Inc. And while we have grown to be a large and successful business, I've continued also as a prospector in my spare time.
Finally in 2003 the opportunity I had been waiting for all these years came along. My partners and I purchased an old prospect called Moore Creek Mine. The price of gold was low but I'd been on the trail of the property for over 30 years, so when the chance came to purchase it I jumped. I always felt there was a good chance at an undiscovered hardrock gold deposit at Moore Creek.
I made a deal with Full Metal Minerals of Canada and they spent the last two summer doing exploration work at Moore Creek. Late last fall we hit the big one - a large and rich hardrock gold deposit with very high potential.
We are gearing up right this moment with a 2 million dollar drilling budget for the coming season. The hope is we may have the next Ft. Knox Mine.
Only one problem. I'm on the verge of realizing that life-long dream, and an ill-advised initiative wants to put us out of business before we even get started! Needless to say you have my support.
Though I've not worked in the mining industry, I can readily see the impact of a shutdown. By flawed reasoning I've seen and lived through it in the timber industry, when vast areas were shut down because of supposed environmental issues. Endangered birds, that were NOT endangered and other reasons, that were false. Even now, large areas of burned timber will go to total waste because of the loony reasoning that "it burned naturally, so it should be left to regenerate naturally". The mining in Alaska is a resource-based industry and like all others, it is targeted by "Environmental Groups" to be eliminated. If this is let go, soon the entirety of logging, [such as is left] and the oil industry will follow. Then what? We all become "Tour Guides"? I think not.
I have worked for NMS Lodging for almost 4 years. I have found the leaders of NANA to be a very responsible and organized. The Red Dog Mine has created employment and improved the economic position of many of our natives. We are living in a wonderful time where we can provide the production of our natural resources and take care, good care of our waters and land. I wish for our Alaska to be a great resource for all of our country (USA). If we stop development of Alaska, we may turn into "Seward's Icebox". I think of my nephews who are students at UAA and how they love Alaska and have chosen to remain here. They are both studying engineering. We must develop our mining resources, oil and gas, etc...and during this process, guard our people, waters, fish, animals and land for our future. I believe that we can do both...Therefore, in summary, I am supporting the continuous growth of our Red Dog Mine
I have lived in Alaska my entire life and have raised four children here. Mining has been our life. Mining has supported many families and communities in Alaska and should. Our natural resources are what keeps us independent from becoming a welfare state. (I'm sure the folks that would like to see mining come to an end wouldn't want to pay my bills or put my children through school). Mining in this state is not only a way to make a living, it's a lifestyle. Our nation's economy is in a bad way as it is- if mining is shut down it will only get worse.
Mining means a lot to our family. My brother works there, and [the mine] has been helping... his family. If they shut down the mines, my brother would lose his children and his home... The protester[s] should think what they're doing to Alaska families and others.
To me mining is a second start on life. It allows me to support and feed my children, and hopefully be able to support them through college. If we are shutdown, I won't be able to do that.
I am Alaska Native from Yakutat, Alaska. I grew up at Yakutat, and as a young man, I worked various small low paying jobs that were available in the village from time to time... To shorten this comment, I am 63,and have been working in Alaska's Industries for over 40 years...and I can say, if it were not for these other Industry jobs, not related to the Fishing Industry, I would have had a difficult time finding a work career; as not every Native can qualify for a fishing permit.
I had the pleasure of working at Ft. Knox gold mine for 6 years. It was a life changing event. As head of household for a family of 4, the mine was a great paying job with the best benefits and medical care available. My family and I were able to buy a very nice [sic] in Fairbanks because of my job. Hundreds of other employees, most of which were friends, were able to do the same. I still have a large 401k for retirement waiting for me from working at Ft. Knox. Probably the best thing that came out of it was the experience and skills I learned as a heavy mechanic. The mining industry gave me and my family a better life, and all in just 6 years.