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 which are an essential component of our nation’s economic and national security; and
WHEREAS, the development of these vital minerals and other natural resources laid the foundation for the Great State of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, 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 provide full-time employment to 4,200 people. In addition, there are more than 200 small-scale mining operations that produce 85,000 ounces of gold each year and employ 1,700 people; and
WHEREAS, Alaska is home to world-class explorers, geologists, miners, mining engineers, and others working continuously to discover, delineate, map, and develop new mineral deposits; and
WHEREAS, mining brings tremendous benefits to the state, including high-wage, family-supporting jobs, injection of new capital investment into the economy, payment of taxes and fees to support public services at the local and state levels; and
WHEREAS, the recent global COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions to international commerce highlights the potential risk of depending fully on external sources for minerals or other resources essential to national security and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, on May 10, we recognize the individuals and the industry who played an important role in developing and settling the territory and state, and who continue to contribute to the economy of Alaska.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 10, 2020 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.
