laska’s mining sector is a fundamental part of the state’s history, and it is a key to a prosperous future. In April, the Alaska Miners Association (AMA) held its 29th Biennial Convention in Fairbanks, looking back on successes while discussing the future of responsible mining. Keynote and technical speakers, short-course sessions, and a two-day trade show brought Alaska’s mining community together to share information, establish or build partnerships, discuss the issues facing the industry, and showcase the strength of mining, especially in the Interior.

Mining’s significant contribution to the Alaska economy was reflected in AMA’s theme at this year’s biennial convention: “Built to last: Alaska Mining for the Long Haul.” AMA’s organizational committee spokespeople—Dave “Zoom” Szumigala, who chaired the Fairbanks convention; AMA President Dave Larimer; and AMA Executive Director Deantha Skibinski—say the theme reflects how AMA views mining in Alaska.

According to committee members, “It’s not as a short-term opportunity, but as a long-term commitment to responsible development, strong communities, skilled jobs, and durable economic value for the state.”

During the technical session, speakers repeated similar viewpoints that are driving the vision for mining in Alaska. Several presentations and keynote speakers highlighted the historical importance of mining to Alaska while emphasizing its role in the state’s future. Many of the companies attending the convention— Kinross Fort Knox, Usibelli Coal Mine (UCM), International Tower Hill Mines, and others—have created a mining hub in the Interior that has successfully extracted important minerals while employing contractors, equipment suppliers, engineers, geologists, and skilled workers for exploration and daily operations. Although much has changed in mining methods since Felix Pedro’s discovery sparked the Fairbanks Gold Rush in 1902, companies are working today to shape the state in decades to come.

Keeping the full impact of mineral extraction in mind, companies emphasized responsible mining as a major focus in their long-term plans. The AMA committee says the mining industry is dedicated to meeting Alaska’s high environmental standards and to respecting communities, landowners, Alaska Native corporations, regulators, and the people who live and work near mining projects.

Many companies, such as UCM, highlighted reclamation plans and completed projects to ensure a stable, sustainable environment in Healy that appears untouched by mining activity. Caleb Graham, a mining engineer at UCM, spoke about a partnership with Risse Greenhouse, a garden center in Fairbanks which starts the trees planted at reclamation sites. He says UCM has planted 15,200 trees from Risse Greenhouse over the past five years and reclaimed more than 5,500 acres, earning multiple stewardship awards.

“Usibelli was the first coal mine in Alaska to recontour and replant mine land, setting a new standard for reclamation,” Graham said in his presentation. “We’ve been doing reclamation since before it was required, which I am very proud of.”

Another major topic reiterated in presentations was Alaska’s role in strengthening US mineral security, which goes beyond mining critical and strategic minerals to include building the domestic capacity to process, refine, manufacture, and add value to them. The AMA committee says Alaska should not simply be a place where raw materials are extracted and shipped away. Instead, the industry should be looking at the full mineral value chain from exploration and mining to processing, infrastructure, workforce, and downstream opportunities.

“That is how we build a more durable mining economy for Alaska, support national security, and create more long-term value for Alaska communities,” says the AMA committee.

Three short courses were offered at the AMA convention: “Introduction to Geology and Alaska Ore Deposits,” “State Mining Locations 101,” and “The Process (and Importance) of Emergency Planning for Remote Site Operations.” The introductory course on geology taught the basics of mineral and rock types, and a general explanation of Alaska’s more prominent ore bodies, such as the Yukon-Tanana terrane of the Interior, which uplifted the Brooks Range, and the volcanic deposits of the Aleutian Arc, including the Cook Inlet region. In the state mining course, attendees learned the basics of state mining statutes and regulations and the requirements for initiating a valid mineral claim. In the emergency planning course, participants learned the foundational concepts for proper preparation prior to dealing with a serious situation.

According to the organization committee, “We wanted the program to reflect the full spectrum of AMA’s mission and the real breadth of Alaska’s mining industry, from exploration and geology to operations, permitting, environmental stewardship, safety, workforce, policy, legal issues, and community engagement.”

Because the convention was held in Fairbanks, the AMA committee focused on topics and speakers connected to the Interior. Fairbanks has a deep mining history, active operations, a strong exploration sector, and a large network of contractors, vendors, technical experts, and community partners. It is also home to UAF, established in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, with its strong science and engineering programs. With the current and next generation workforce in mind, the technical sessions and short courses were designed to give attendees a clear view of what is happening in the Interior today. As the industry grows, companies will need mechanics, equipment operators, drillers, engineers, geologists, environmental professionals, surveyors, electricians, welders, and many other skilled workers. The convention highlighted that mining offers real careers for Alaskans, especially young people who want to build a future here at home.

“Early in the planning process, we recognized that a successful program needed balance,” says the AMA committee. “We wanted strong technical and science-based presentations that highlighted emerging research and practical field knowledge, while also addressing the policy, environmental, regulatory, and legal issues shaping mining in Alaska today. Safety and risk management were also priorities because responsible mining starts with protecting workers, communities, and the environment.”

The short courses drew participants who supported responsible mining that included both the environment and workforce safety. When mining companies conduct clean, safe operations, it is better for the industry as a whole, says Dan Twitchell, the health, safety, and environmental manager for MDF Global, the Australian parent company of Alaska-based ventures Wiseman Metals, Felix Gold, and Copper Bay Resources.

“If you can keep your workforce safe and the environment clean, then everything else takes care of itself,” says Twitchell. “If you can’t do it safely and responsibly, then you shouldn’t do it at all.”

The AMA committee says the goal of the convention was to create a program that was useful, credible, and relevant. They wanted attendees to leave with a better understanding of the science, policy, economics, safety practices, and community responsibilities that define responsible mining in Alaska.

The AMA committee says the trade show component turns the convention from a series of presentations into a real working marketplace for Alaska’s mining industry. It gives attendees a chance to see the equipment, technology, services, contractors, suppliers, safety systems, and professional expertise that make mining in Alaska possible.

“For attendees, the trade show creates direct value,” says the AMA committee. “A miner can talk with equipment dealers, drillers, surveyors, environmental consultants, engineers, transportation providers, fuel suppliers, safety professionals, and technology vendors all in one place. Exploration companies can meet the contractors they need for the coming field season. Students and young professionals can meet employers. Small operators can connect with vendors who understand Alaska conditions. Public officials and community members can see how broad the mining supply chain really is and how many local companies are involved in mining.”

They add that it also helps tell the larger story of mining in Alaska. Mining does not only include activity on the mine site; it involves the work of mechanics, welders, fabricators, pilots, truck drivers, engineers, accountants, environmental scientists, geologists, construction firms, equipment suppliers, and local businesses. The trade show makes that economic footprint visible.

Increased visibility was the goal for Udelhoven Oilfield Systems Services (UOSS), better known for developing facilities and infrastructure for the chemical, petrochemical, and oil and gas industries since the ‘70s. Now UOSS is looking to expand into the mining sector and joined the trade show as a vendor to highlight how it can meet the needs of mining operations.

“We’ve been seeing a need for more infrastructure in the mining industry,” says Michael Meyers, facility manager for UOSS in Kenai. “The trade show is a good way for us to promote our man camps, fabrication work, construction support services, and manpower to companies in this industry.”

The AMA Committee says the 2026 AMA Fairbanks Biennial Convention had strong attendance and participation. The committee counted 608 attendees and 106 vendors, making it one of the strongest and most active Fairbanks conventions AMA has hosted. However, the committee says that number does not fully capture everyone who came through the doors. Additional walk-in visitors were welcome on the trade show floor without formal convention registration, helping make the event more accessible to the broader Fairbanks community. AMA also sponsored several classroom visits from local schools, giving students the opportunity to interact directly with AMA members, local miners, vendors, contractors, and industry professionals.

“Those visits were especially important because they helped young people learn more about responsible mining in their own community,” says the AMA committee.