Mining Extension Advisory Group
(Notes from June 22, 2009 Meeting)
(compiled by Bob Gorman)
Stakeholders Present:
CES Personnel Present:
Kelley Hagerty-Lammers
Rich Hughes
Travis Hudson
Mitchell Dammeyer
(Dr. Dan Welsh excused)
Fred Schlutt
Bob Gorman
Meg Burgett
Agenda item #1: Short introductions by audio participants.
Agenda item #2: Meg Burgett provided an overview of recent mining extension activities over
the past 3 years..
Agenda item #3; Bob Gorman stated that the niches mining extension appears best suited to fill
include:
1) social and community impacts from mining,
2) recreational mining and exploration
3) general interest information on geology and earth sciences.
Agenda item #4: Bob Gorman gave an overview of CES Mining Extension from 1998 to
present.
Agenda item #5: Mining extension technical providers: employees versus contractors.
Group Discussion: There is a need for science based mining extension resources in
communities. CES is a credible source for that information. CES has the credibility, the
continuity and institutional knowledge to deliver mining extension resources. Overall use of UA
employees seems the best way for mining extension program delivery. There needs to be a
balance between the cost of the mining extension technical provider’s wages and funds to
deliver the programs. Consider use of faculty and staff in geology & earth sciences or from the
Mining Industry Research Laboratory (UAF).
Agenda item #6: Prioritize key issues for mining extension to address in FY10.
Group Discussion: There is a lot going on with the University of Alaska at any one time. Mining
Extension should partner with other activities the university is providing related to mining
extension. American Geologic Institute has a public outreach component. When they give short
courses and workshops on geology and earth sciences they feel they are chipping away at an
iceberg. Electronic delivery methods and DVD / videos are effective means to deliver extension
resources. Individual travel for reaching rural people is marginal use of funds at best. The
exception is regional and state meetings that bring in rural residents, like the Alaska Forum on
the Environment.
Issues to address include surveying University of Alaska partners for mining extension
activities, and an electronic delivery extension product on permitting in mineral exploration and
mining from the first step. Alaska DNR has an excellent product on mine permitting that is
available for use and distribution free. Extension needs to coordinate information from existing
sources, develop an electronic delivery system and advertise the product to increase its
distribution. Village internet based delivery is not limited by internet access or capability but
more by the ability of web developers to communicate effectively complex concepts in simple
terms to people with limited verbal skills. AN internet delivery system could include wiki on line
workshops and means for web site visitors to directly contact technical providers with questions.
The value of mine tours was brought up. The number of people reached by mine tours is low
except when a DVD is produced. Mining companies may not be partners on mine tours because
of the current economic conditions and the limited number of people participating in a mine tour.
Development of a DVD from a mine tour is probably more effective use of funds for mine tours
than the actual participant’s tour of the mine.
Agenda item #7: Allocation of mining extension funds.
Group Discussion: Minimize travel expenditures. Decide on projects. Determine what is to be
accomplished. Balance the use of staff versus the need for funds to develop and deliver
extension products. Electronic delivery systems when developed should be interactive.
Agenda item #8: Wrap up.
Bob and Meg will write up and distribute meeting notes within two weeks. They will develop draft
plans and budget for extension projects to address each of the three key topics for Mining
Extension in FY10 by August 15. The next Mining Extension Stakeholder Group meeting will be
in August after the mining extension FY10 work plan is distributed.
Advisory Committee Recommendations:
Top three priorities to address in upcoming fiscal year:
1. Staff/personnel needs – explore options of utilizing staff/faculty from other UAF
departments such as geology, earth sciences and the Mining Industry Research Lab.
2. Develop education/outreach product, such as a video or DVD, addressing exploration
permitting.
3. Develop a Mining Extension web page that will serve to promote and advertise
education and outreach opportunities in mining and mineral development.
Funding Priority
1. Services
2. Wages
3. Travel