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, 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 3,392 people at an average annual wage of nearly $108,000, often in rural areas of the State; and
WHEREAS, Alaska is home to eight advanced exploration projects that hold the promise of even more economic activity, as well as as-yet undeveloped mineral resources widely acknowledged to be among the richest in the world, as reflected by the Fraser Institute’s 2018 ranking of 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, 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, 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, 2022 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, 2022
