DEVELOPING ALASKA'S MINING WORKFORCE

Alaska offers vast mining opportunities across the state and it plays an important role in sustaining Alaska’s economy. Mining in Alaska includes exploration, development and production of gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, coal and even construction materials. With all of these possibilities, mining provides thousands of jobs to Alaskans.

According to the Alaska Miners Association (AMA), in 2023, Alaska’s mining industry provided:
  • 11,800 total direct and indirect job attributed to Alaska mining industry.
  • $1.1 billion spent on goods and services with 450+ Alaska businesses.
  • $50 million in local tax revenues to support services like libraries, schools, road maintenance, and public safety.
  • $136 million in state government revenues for services like education, highways, and airports.
  • $235 million in royalty payments to Alaska Native Regional and Village Corporations across the state; totalling $3.2 billion since 1989.
  • $2.3 to Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority to care for Alaskans' mental health needs.
  • $1.5 million in contributions to the University of Alaska and vocational training programs.
  • $1.1 million in support to civic, business, and industry organizations throughout Alaska.
  • $740 million in exploration and development investments.
  • Support to 250 Alaska nonprofits.

In collaboration with the AMA and other business and government partners, a mining workforce development plan for the state was developed and published in August 2024.