Do I Support Mining In Alaska?

This is a question every miner, commercial or recreational, needs to ask.

I am a life-long Alaskan who has been involved in mining since I could hold a gold pan. I see mining from many angles; as a mining claim owner and operator, as a business owner selling mining equipment, and as someone who appreciates Alaska's beauty and wants to protect it. Although I make money at it, I mine primarily for the enjoyment and adventure of it.

I also have never had a love of politics. Like many, I just want to do my thing. Unfortunately I have become aware over the years that prospecting and mining is something our grandchildren may not be able to enjoy. In my younger years, it seemed I could go where I pleased and mine how I wished.

Times are changing. A few years ago I became deeply involved in a fight to prevent the EPA from shutting down suction dredging in Alaska. Though one might say we won the fight, and are still dredging today, now a permit is required for all suction dredges operated in Alaska. New rules and restrictions seem to arise every day.

Miners have a serious problem. Compared to the environmental lobby, we are poorly organized and do a poor job of representing our interests to the public. This is particularly true of the small and recreational miner. I have found miners to be great complainers, but that many do little to support our industry. I hear complaints about the various mining organizations, and have voiced a few myself. I complain as a supporting member of these organizations, and I spend what time and money I can to help improve things. What truly frustrates me are those who complain, but do nothing to help!

Ask yourself this question - "how much of my time and money did I give to support mining in Alaska this last year"? I'm not talking about what you did to insure you could mine. What did you do to help insure that all miners including yourself will be able to operate in the future? If most miners cannot give the proper answer to this question, then we are truly doomed to be a dying breed.

Please, help us help ourselves. Do something to support mining every year. Most importantly, join one of the clubs or organizations that support mining. These vary from "fun clubs" to serious political organizations, but what is important is to organize so that our numbers count. Any group is better than none. Stop complaining that someone does not do enough for you. Get in there, and help make it better yourself! Be a part of the solution. Join and support as many mining organizations as you can. Simply being a member is helpful, for your dues help pay expenses for others to do the work, and membership numbers count when talking to politicians. Getting personally involved is better. A few hard workers seem to bear the burden for us all, and they need your help. Get more involved and help support mining. Today!

Thank you,

Steve Herschbach

Steve is a member of the Alaska Miners Association. He is also a member of and supports other organizations. But if you support mining in Alaska, Steve highly recommends the Alaska Miners Association as THE organization that does the job. They are not a club, but a political organization 100% dedicated to preserving the positive aspects of mining in this country. Visit their website at http://www.alaskaminers.org/ for membership information.