 Development spending, production value set records; zinc most valuable November 03, 2005
"Mining is not just an important part of Alaska's history, it is a vibrant part of our state today that holds even greater promise for the future," the governor said. "The minerals industry's achievement in generating more than $1.6 billion in value demonstrates that our vision of encouraging resource development is working for Alaskans." Details on the mining industry's record-breaking year are contained in Special Report 59, Alaska's Mineral Industry 2004, an annual report on the industry produced by the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys in the Department of Natural Resources. The report shows the industry produced minerals worth $1,338.7 billion in 2004, a record value $338 million higher than 2003. Development expenditures totaled $209.1 million, the third-highest total since record keeping began in 1981. Mineral exploration expenditures in Alaska were $70.8 million in 2004, more than double the $27.6 million spent in 2003. Mining generated about 3,049 jobs in the state, the report said. "These numbers demonstrate the solid economics underlying Alaska's mining industry, an industry that provides good-paying jobs to Alaskans, sustains rural communities with revenue for local government, and helps broaden and stabilize our statewide economy," said Natural Resources Commissioner Mike Menge. "This kind of success for the industry proves once again that Alaska is open for the business of mining - and that its future is as bright as the gold coming out of our streams and mines." Special Report 59, Alaska's Mineral Industry 2004, is available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format from the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys' (DGGS) Web site [www.dggs.dnr.state.ak.us] or on mini CD-ROM or in printed version from DGGS at 3354 College Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709-3707 (phone 907-451-5020). The 75-page free booklet is also available from DNR's Public Information Center, 550 W. Seventh Ave., Suite 1260, Anchorage, Alaska (phone 907-269-8400) and from the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development's Office of Economic Development in Fairbanks and Anchorage. Mail orders should be sent to the Fairbanks DGGS office (fax 907-451-5050). The report will be available on or before November 22, 2005, at the Alaska Resources Library and Information Service, 3150 C St., Suite 100, Anchorage, and at the Historical Collection of the Alaska State Library in the State Office Building in Juneau. The Historical Collection is available from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday (phone 907-465-2927).
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