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Alaska election outcome opens Alaska for mining business again
DENA’INA CENTER, ANCHORAGE: Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 likely marks a crucial turning point for Alaska’s mining industry. As the state’s mining community gathered for the Alaska Miners Association (AMA) annual convention to celebrate one of the best years for the sector in recent memory, Alaska voters were making decisions that would shape the future of the more than 1,000 people gathered at the Dena’ina Center.
In terms of the state economy, the most crucial decision put before Alaska voters was Ballot Measure 1. Widely known as Stand for Salmon, Ballot Measure 1 would have put into place environmental regulations that would have made it virtually impossible to permit mining, road, oil or other projects that might have affect salmon habitat in the state.
Don Stevens, a geologist who has been exploring Alaska’s vast mineral potential for more than five decades, told Mining News that the ballot initiative would likely determine the ongoing viability of his geological consulting firm, Stevens Exploration.
To the relief of Stevens and the hundreds of other geologists, miners, engineers and dozens of businesses whose livelihood rests on responsible mining and other resource development across the Far North state, Alaskans voted down Ballot Measure 1 by a nearly 2-1 margin.
“Today, Alaskan voters made the right choice to protect our jobs, our economy and our communities,” said Kati Capozzi, campaign manager, Stand for Alaska. “The defeat of Ballot Measure 1 sends a clear message that Alaskans are not in favor of Outside interests’ attempts to regulate our land and resources.” AMA President Mike Satre said this resounding victory means “Alaska is open for business again.”
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