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Alaska, Zimbabwe, Africa

Though copper seems to have been the reason the Alaska Mine got started in Zimbabwe, the sign seems to indicate dolomite (limestone) is what has been most recently mined there. I am told a miner from Alaska started the mine, hence the name. In any case, there is a village next to the mine itself, presumably called Alaska Mine and a town a few miles away where the copper ore was processed called Alaska. As I happen to live in Anchorage, Alaska (USA, not Zimbabwe), I couldn't not take some pictures of this place. Between Alaska and Alaska Mine, Mariachitubu Forgiveness and Reconciliation Centre is under construction. Mariachitubu is Shona for Mary's Fountain.
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May 12 2010 119.jpg
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May 12 2010 124.jpg
Grotto, Mariachitubu Forgiveness and Reconciliation Centre
Grotto, Mariachitubu Forgiveness and Reconciliation Centre		 Me Mother Lydia, and Sister Benedicta at the Grotto, Mariachitubu
Me Mother Lydia, and Sister Benedicta at the Grotto, Mariachitubu		 Maraichitubu Forgiveness and Reconciliation Centre under construction
Maraichitubu Forgiveness and Reconciliation Centre under construction		 Alaska Mine Cup.jpg
Alaska Mine Cup.jpg
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Joe Sullivan16-Oct-2018 02:36
You're welcome. I haven't been back since these pictures were taken, so if they were run down then, perhaps they are worse now. I actually haven't been back to Zim since these pictures were taken, but I will be looking at it across Kariba from the Zam side in a week or two.
Craig Lloyd 13-Oct-2018 17:24
It seems a shame that the place looks far more run down than it did back then...
My dad worked at Alaska Mine and occasionally, I believe was called out for some work at Alaska Dolomite Quarry...

Thank you so much for bringing back poignant memories of a life now nothing more than faded memories, lost in the dusts of time... T_T
Craig Lloyd 13-Oct-2018 17:22
I grew up there in the 80s. Lived on 5th avenue... I have many fond memories of Alaska Country Club.
Joe Sullivan21-Mar-2014 01:38
No, I did not take pictures of the country club, just the sign. We had to get back to Marichitubu just after i took the picture.
Mr Hilton 13-Mar-2014 12:33
Did you take any pictures of the country club?
cindy 27-Oct-2013 12:39
hie guys,i live nearby alaska and guess wat i'm writing a dissertation on alaska. it is tiltled a socio economic history of alaska and the impacts of its closure to the communities. your help on any aspets about the mine would be very helpful and the people. pliz looking forward to replies
dany 07-Sep-2013 19:59
hie,so wonderful to b on this platfrm,i'm doin' my dissertation at the university of Zim,tilted a socio economic history of alaska mine and e impact of its closure to the sorrounding and livelihoods.would be vry greatful if u could assist in any why possible
Gary Graham 31-Aug-2013 20:29
I grew up on Alaska Dolomite which was started in the 1960's by Jack Bowely, my grandfather, the last I was there was around 1980. Great memories of a wonderful place. regards Gary Graham
Gary Graham 31-Aug-2013 20:25
I grew up on Alaska Dolomite, my grand father ( Jack Bowely) started the mine in the 1960's and ran it until the late 1980's. The first picture shows an image of Alaska Dolomite's sign which I recall so well, Alaska Mine 8 kms futher along on the same road and as correctly stated was a copper mine. All the same I have wonderful memories of both and although I would really love to visit there again I feel maybe it's best to hold the memories I have as they are. Thanks for the pic's regards Gary Graham
Joe Sullivan13-Jan-2011 17:39
You are all most welcome. I have lived in the other Alaska, the one in the US for more than 30 years now and I always wanted to see Alaska, Zimbabwe. The nuns I know in Zimbabwe, the Sisters of Jesus of Nazareth, Mariachiedza, just happen to be building their new monastery and forgiveness and reconciliation centre between Alaska and the Alaska Mine, so I finally got to go there when I visited them recently. Coffee cups, coasters, and mouse pads with the Alaska Mine logo on them are available at Amazon.com in case you are interested.
Guest 11-Jan-2011 19:09
Thank you Mr Sullivan, for reviving our memories with the pictures of alaska mine, i myself will cherish this place,growing up in this place was amazing and adventurous, it used to be very beautiful, we still love it because home is best, thank yu again,miriam
Guest 11-Jan-2011 19:09
Thank you Mr Sullivan, for reviving our memories with the pictures of alaska mine, i myself will cherish this place,growing up in this place was amazing and adventurous, it used to be very beautiful, we still love it because home is best, thank yu again,miriam
Guest 11-Jan-2011 19:09
Thank you Mr Sullivan, for reviving our memories with the pictures of alaska mine, i myself will cherish this place,growing up in this place was amazing and adventurous, it used to be very beautiful, we still love it because home is best, thank yu again,miriam
farai kondo 11-Jan-2011 11:37
Thanks Mr Sullivan for reviving my memories of my childhood place. I could write heaps of books about this place from the 70 onwards. Its sad that after the copper mines surrounding the smelter and refinery closed - Mhangura & Shackleton, the place followed suit and has deteriorated to its present state. Guess its the ever changing times.
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