State Priorities: 1) Predictability of the State of Alaska permitting timeframes 2) Reallocate portions of the State of Alaska mining license tax to communities, while precluding targeted local severance taxes 3) Address key State of Alaska regulations governing water use 4) Support the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys 5) Modernize the online mineral claim staking and claim management system 6) Encourage the Governor’s administration to continue challenging ballot initiatives that seek to regulate natural resource development Federal Priorities: 1) Industry must have a clear path to wetland compensatory mitigation requirements 2) Advocate for a consistent definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) - 2021 3) Defend against federal overreach The report is available online at: www.commerce. alaska.gov/web/Portals/4/pub/Alaska%20Minerals%20 Commission/2021%20Alaska%20Minerals%20 Commision%20Report%2020211229.pdf
according to the Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies in 2020. Alaska was also ranked fifth out of seventy-seven jurisdictions internationally for mineral potential, assuming a “best practices” policy regime. Increased investment in minerals exploration and mining is essential to diversify the State of Alaska’s economic underpinnings. While “more than 190 million acres of federal, State of Alaska, and Native-owned lands are open for minerals-related activities and mining,” the existence of a resource isn’t compelling enough on its own to bring outside business to Alaska. Attracting investment requires companies to have faith in the State of Alaska’s economic stability, reasonable regulatory environment, and ongoing support of the minerals industry at the highest levels of government. Recommendations: The Alaska Minerals Commission recommends the Governor’s administration and the Legislature continue to create a shared message to minerals and mining companies that investment in, and development of, Alaska’s mineral resources are welcome. The Commission further recommends continued and increasing levels of outreach by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Commissioner and the Governor’s administration to major mining companies and industry associations, defining the advantages of investing and exploring in Alaska, and inviting these companies to explore and develop in the State of Alaska.
MIDNIGHT SUN DRILLING INC.
Since 1970 Serving the North for Over 50 Years
Contract Reverse Circulation Drilling Services for the Mineral Exploration Industry
2166 Steese Hwy. Fairbanks, AK 99712 | 6 Chadburn Crescent, Whitehorse Yukon Y1A 5Z3 P: 867.633.2626 | F: 867.633.2628 | info@MidnightSunDrilling.com www.MidnightSunDrilling.com
years 1970-2020
WHITEHORSE Y.T.
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I May 2022
21
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease