Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell met with Alaskan and Canadian miners and mining companies at the 2013 Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver, Canada. Roundup is one of the largest mining trade shows and attracts more than 5,000 people.

Governor Parnell is the first governor to visit Roundup since Governor Wally Hickel in the early 1990s, according to the Alaska Miners Association.

“It was great to talk to so many miners, whether they are operating Alaska placer mines or employing several hundred Alaskans at the larger mines in our state,” Governor Parnell said. “Day in and day out, hardworking miners in Alaska are unlocking the natural resources we and the rest of the world need. Mining is hard work, and I congratulate them on their success and safety record.”

In addition to meetings, discussions and a visit to trade show exhibits, the governor participated in the Alaska Miners Association’s “Alaska Night.”

While in Vancouver, Governor Parnell also met with Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski to discuss energy infrastructure, mining training advances that have resulted from the renewal of the Alaska Yukon Intergovernmental Accord, and the importance of maintaining Alaska/Yukon road links. The Yukon Premier also participated in Roundup.

“Alaska’s solid relationship and regional cooperation with the Yukon benefits both sides,” Governor Parnell said. “Together we have made significant progress in creating cross-border educational and training opportunities for the mineral industry.”