Author: Troy Dana, Designated Broker | Licensed in WA, AK
Owning a gold mine is undeniably alluring. When you add the grandeur of Alaska, the promise of striking it rich, and the influence of reality shows featuring determined gold miners, the prospect becomes even more enticing. Adventurers and dreamers alike are drawn to the wild and untamed corners of Alaska, hoping to uncover treasures buried deep within the earth.
As a Yukon River Tow Boat Captain, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and rewards of owning and operating a gold mine in Alaska. In the mid-80s, we often delivered fuel and heavy equipment to two larger gold mines: one downstream from the Village of Tanana and the other at the Village of Rampart. When meeting the miners at the landing to arrange the transfer of supplies, the common question was, “How is your mine doing?” It wasn’t uncommon for a proud gold miner to reach deep into his pant pocket and pull out a nugget the size of his palm, not say a single word, but upon making eye contact came a broad toothy smile.
“Alaska offers some of the richest gold deposits in the world, with a combination of historical mining districts and untouched wilderness. The rewards of mining here are not just in the gold itself but also in the adventure and the opportunity to work in one of the most stunning environments on earth.” – David Szumigala, former Senior Minerals Geologist with the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Yet, the path to these rewards is fraught with unknowns and challenges.
