Rock Steady: Support services keep mining in motion.

• Author: Shipe, O'Hara
• Position: MINING - Financial report

In Alaska there are six actively producing mines, two projects in permitting, and an additional four advanced exploration projects in play in 2018. According to a March 2018 report compiled by the McDowell Group, the total value of mineral exports accounted for 35 percent of Alaska's total exports in 2016 at a value of $1.5 billion. The report also indicates that there was $110 million spent on exploration and $213 million spent on mine construction and other capital investment in 2017 alone.

More than stimulating the Alaska economy through an influx of cash, the mining industry provides much needed jobs to Alaskans living in rural communities. For example, more than 50 percent of the 550 year-round jobs at Red Dog Mine are filled by NANA shareholders. And NANA is not the only Alaska Native corporation to take advantage of such partnership opportunities. Iliamna Development Corporation, Calista Corporation, and the Kuskokwim Corporation have all worked to develop businesses that serve the mining sector.

While their names aren't always as well known as the mine owners and operators, there are many companies that provide vital services to keep the mining industry moving forward.

Preliminary Research and Data Collection

Founded twenty-six years ago, Alaska Earth Sciences (AES) provides consulting expertise to promote, manage, and support mineral resource and exploration development in Alaska. Through a suite of service offerings including geotechnical engineering, logistics, geographic information services (GIS), permitting assistance, and equipment rental, AES can provide the background services that enable successful, efficient, and cost-effective mining.

"Oftentimes a client will want to have preliminary research conducted and data collected in order to justify the expense of the added permitting and regulations associated with drilling and mining," says Michelle Johnson, chief operating officer for AES.

AES has a team of four geologists who work in the field to conduct

regional scale mapping and rock sampling. The team also makes geologic observations and collects soil samples that are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Once analyzed, the information is compiled into a rudimentary geological map for AES's clients. This service is integral to the planning process for entities interested in mining in Alaska because it gives a rough estimate of the viability of producing an active mine. If the company chooses to move forward, AES will then...