Alaska Mining Day

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 seven large-producing mines that generate a combined total of $3 billion in annual gross mineral production and provide full-time employment to approximately 5,400 people at an average annual wage of nearly $116,000, 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 including yet-to-be developed mineral resources widely acknowledged to be among the richest in the world, as reflected by the Fraser Institute's 2021 ranking of Alaska as the fourth 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, and payment of taxes and fees to support public services at the local and State levels; and

WHEREAS, on May 10, we recognize the individuals who played an important role in developing and settling our 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, 2024 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, 2024