February 2020
The Economic Benefits of
Alaska’s Mining Industry
In 2019, Alaska’s mining industry provided:
providing jobs for thousands of Alaskans and millions of dollars of personal income throughout Alaska. Alaska’s mining industry includes exploration, mine development, and mineral production. Alaska’s mines produce coal, gold, lead, silver, zinc, as well as construction materials, such as sand, gravel, and rock. Mining is a growing force in Alaska’s economy,
† 4,600 direct mining jobs in Alaska. † 9,400 total direct and indirect jobs attributed to Alaska mining industry. † $740 million in total direct and indirect payroll. † Some of Alaska’s highest paying jobs with an estimated average annual wage of $112,800, over twice the state average ($55,140) for all sectors of the economy. † $37 million in local government revenue. † $112 million in state government revenue through mining licenses, rents, royalties, fees, and taxes, and other government- related payments. † $242 million in payments to Alaska Native corporations. † Mostly year-round jobs for residents of more than 60 communities throughout Alaska, half of which are found in rural Alaska where few other jobs are available.
Key Industry Measures estimated
• 192 active placer mines produced approximately 60,690 ounces of gold with a gross production value of $77 million (2018) . • Approximately 120 active rock quarries, and sand and gravel operations throughout Alaska with at least $10.5 million in production value on state lands (2018).
Exploration • $162 million spent on exploration (2019). • $3.8 billion spent on exploration since 1981. Development • $225 million spent on mine construction and other capital investment (2019). Production • Export value of $1.7 billion , or 36% of Alaska’s total exports (2018).
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July2020
The Alaska Miner
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