Study: Alaska’s Mining Industry Could Double Its Workforce, Revenues Within 20 Years

March 14, 2022

A Power The Future-commissioned study by the University of Alaska’s Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) found that Alaska’s mining industry could grow by more than double over the next 20 years.

In the study, the authors reviewed active mineral properties in Alaska: those operating, in permitting, and being explored. It assigned probabilities that these would be operating in 20 years based on their exploration stage. Different probabilities were assigned to a future with industry-favorable economic and policy conditions, to a status quo scenario, and to an unfavorable-condition scenario. The authors described reasonably likely, potentially achievable, descriptions of what may happen during the next two decades.

The study shows that – under the different scenarios outlined – the upside to employment and royalty/revenue to various government entities could range from half of today’s output to more than double.

ISER is hosting a webinar today at noon Alaska/4PM Eastern time to further outline the results.  You can register for the webinar here.   They will also be speaking at the Meet Alaska conference this coming Friday in Anchorage.