Writer: Troy Dana, Designated Dealer | Licensed in WA, AK
Proudly owning a gold mine is undeniably alluring. Once you add the grandeur of Alaska, the promise of hanging it wealthy, and the affect of actuality exhibits that includes decided gold miners, the prospect turns into much more attractive. Adventurers and dreamers alike are drawn to the wild and untamed corners of Alaska, hoping to uncover treasures buried deep inside the earth.
As a Yukon River Tow Boat Captain, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and rewards of proudly owning and working a gold mine in Alaska. Within the mid-80s, we frequently delivered gasoline and heavy gear to 2 bigger gold mines: one downstream from the Village of Tanana and the opposite on the Village of Rampart. When assembly the miners on the touchdown to rearrange the switch of provides, the frequent query was, “How is your mine doing?” It wasn’t unusual for a proud gold miner to achieve deep into his pant pocket and pull out a nugget the dimensions of his palm, not say a single phrase, however upon making eye contact got here a broad toothy smile.
“Alaska affords a number of the richest gold deposits on the earth, with a mix of historic mining districts and untouched wilderness. The rewards of mining right here usually are not simply within the gold itself but additionally within the journey and the chance to work in one of the crucial gorgeous environments on earth.” – David Szumigala, former Senior Minerals Geologist with the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
But, the trail to those rewards is fraught with unknowns and challenges.
