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 2021, Alaska’s mining industry provided:
  •  5,400 direct mining jobs in Alaska. 
  •  10,800 total direct and indirect jobs attributed to Alaska mining industry. 
  •  $985 million in total direct and indirect payroll. 
  • $640 million spent with 400+ local businesses.
  •  $44 million in local tax revenue to support services like libraries, road repairs, and public safety. 
  •  $83 million in state government revenue for services like education, highways, and airports.
  • $161 million in royalty payments to Alaska Native Corporations.
  •  Mostly year-round jobs for residents of more than 95 communities throughout Alaska, half of which are found in rural Alaska where few other jobs are available. 
  • $800,000 to civic, business, and industry organizations through sponsorships and membership fees.
  • Over $1.1 million contributed to University of Alaska and Vocational Schools. 
  • $3.3 million in contributions to 250 Alaskan non-profits. 

In collaboration with the AMA and other business and government partners, a mining workforce development plan for the state was developed and published in January 2015.