WHEREAS, Alaska’s expansive landscapes are known to contain tremendous deposits of gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper, coal, gravel, rare earth minerals, and other critical and strategic minerals that are an essential component of our nation’s economy and security; and
WHEREAS, since the development of these vital minerals and other natural resources laid the foundation for establishing the Great State of Alaska, mining is enshrined as one of the fundamental tenets of the Alaska Constitution as written, enacted, and embraced by the people of the state; and
WHEREAS, Alaska is home to six large-producing mines that generate a combined total of $3 billion in annual gross mineral production, and the mines also provide full-time employment to approximately 5,400 people, often in rural areas of the state, at an average annual wage of nearly $116,000; and
WHEREAS, Alaska is home to eight advanced exploration projects that hold the promise of even more economic activity, including yet-to-be developed mineral resources widely acknowledged as among the richest in the world, and the Fraser Institute ranked Alaska as the fifth most attractive place for mineral industry investment in the world; and
WHEREAS, mining brings tremendous benefits to the state, including high-wage jobs that can support families, injection of new capital investment into the economy, and payment of taxes and fees to support public services at the local and state levels; and
WHEREAS, on May 10, we thank those who played an important role in the development and settlement of our state, and we recognize the long-standing contributions of the mining industry to the economy of Alaska.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 10, 2023 as:
Alaska Mining Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the importance of mining in the founding and early development of Alaska’s history, and to appreciate the efforts of all Alaskans involved in the mining industry today.
Dated: May 10, 2023
