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State of Alaska Alaska / Natural Resources DNR / Geological & Geophysical Surveys DGGS / Mineral Industry GuideMineral Industry Guide

Mineral Industry Guide

To facilitate mineral exploration and development in Alaska, this document provides links to geoscience, GIS, and minerals-related data, as well as permitting, claims, and land status information. It also describes agency roles and provides key contacts.

Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) provides geophysical, geological, geochemical, mineral-resource, and other publications, databases, and datasets to help guide industry mineral exploration in Alaska.

Geologic Publications & Data

Geologic map of the Tok River area, Tanacross A-5 and A-6 quadrangles, eastern Alaska Range, Alaska

DGGS Publications, Maps, Geospatial Data, & Research

DGGS publications
Search for Alaska publications from DGGS, USGS, and other sources
Alaska Geologic Data Index
Search AGDI for unpublished geologic data; also includes all records from the database formerly known as AKMIDI
Interactive Maps
Elevation, geologic maps, geochemistry, geophysics, etc.
Mineral Resources Section
Current DGGS geologic mapping and mineral-resource studies

USGS Publications, Maps, Geospatial Data, & Research

MRData Alaska
Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data: Interactive maps and downloadable data for regional and global geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and mineral resources.
Publications Warehouse
Comprehensive listing of USGS publications.
USGS Alaska geologic and mineral-resource research
Provides links to current USGS mineral resources studies.
Science Portal
A searchable, web map-based tool to facilitate access to information on USGS studies in Alaska.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Publications

Technical and Open File Reports - includes mining district studies
U.S. Bureau of Mines Reports

Geochemical Data

DGGS Alaska Geochemistry
Interactive database of geochemical data, which may be searched for select analyses, or all data may be downloaded by searching on '*'. Original publication links and analytical information are included.
Alaska Geochemical Database, V.2 (AGDB2)
Downloadable database containing more than 250,000 rock, soil, stream sediment, and heavy mineral samples collected by various agencies between 1962 and 2009. It includes a 'best value' for each element to simplify use. NOTE: An updated version (AGDB3) is being planned for release in early 2019.
Interactive Maps
The USGS modeled and mapped the distributions of 68 elements, creating an updated Geochemical Atlas of Alaska. It includes sediment and soil geochemical data with an average sample site density of approximately 1 locality per 10 square kilometers.

Geophysical Data

Geophysics

DGGS hosts a variety of geophysical data to support mineral exploration including airborne magnetic, electromagnetic, and radiometric data. Project scale, regional, and statewide are available from the Get Data page. To learn more, please see the Geophysics Program overview.

Geophysics program overview
Get geophysical data
Geophysical data interactive map

Geologic Map Data

DGGS Geologic Map Index of Alaska
This Interactive Map application provides outlines of DGGS and USGS geology related maps of Alaska for selection and download. Click on the "More Options" button to enable easier searching.
USGS Regional Geologic Map of Alaska
Includes both a statewide geologic map (print, PDF, and ArcGIS versions) and an integrated digital compilation of published and unpublished 1:250,000-scale and limited 1:500,000- to 1:63,360-scale maps in ArcGIS format. Publication also contains a statewide compilation of geochronology data.

Mineral Occurrence Data

Red Dog Mine
Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF)
Current, comprehensive database describing Alaska's mines, prospects, and mineral occurrences, in Excel or FileMaker Pro formats. Also, an ARDF online search is available, but may not contain the most recent updates.

Remote Sensing, Imagery, & Ortho-photos

USGS Earth Explorer
Aerial imagery, ASTER, Landsat, satellite, etc.
USGS ScienceBase Catalog
Search site for USGS maps, data, publications, and digital datasets.
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) HyLab (Hyperspectral Imaging) Laboratory
Custom hyperspectral surveying for mineral exploration in Alaska.
USGS LandsatLook Viewer
LandsatLook Viewer allows rapid online viewing and access to USGS Landsat image archives. Also available through ESRI.
Alaska Geospatial Imagery Services
USA Satellite Ground Station owner, specializing in collection and processing of remotely sensed optical and SAR imagery. This company took over the GINA datasets formerly at University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Permitting, Claims, Land Status, & GIS Data

Avidian Gold
Alaska Mapper
Interactive, downloadable access to the State of Alaska's GIS files (e.g., infrastructure, physiographic features, land status/ownership/use, land records, mining claims, Public Land Survey System (PLSS) data, quadrangle boundaries, etc).
DNR and DNR Plats and Surveys
Locate, research, and verify land ownership and land use on state and federal lands in Alaska. Access state and federal plats and survey documents.
DNR Land Administration System (LAS)
DNR case file and land abstracts, useful for researching claim ownership.
DNR Online Payments
Make a State mining claim payment.
DNR Division of Mining, Land, & Water Applications and Forms
State mining claim-related forms.
DNR Recorder's Office
The authoritative source for Alaska's public records and land status documents.
U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Spatial Data Management System (SDMS)
Map interface for generalized and detailed land status and Federal mining claims.
U.S. BLM General Land Office Records
Live access to Federal land-conveyance records for the Public Land States, includes federal land patents, survey plats and field notes, and land status records.

Sample Repository, Historical Data Archives, & Libraries

DGGS Geologic Materials Center (GMC)
Central repository for archived geologic materials collected in Alaska by industry, state and federal agencies, and others. Materials are digitally cataloged, stored, and made publically available for study.
Alaska Minerals Information System (AMIS) files
The Minerals Availability System (MAS) is a historical U.S. Bureau of Mines database used to monitor supply potential of minerals considered essential to the U.S. industrial base, including identification of major mineral deposits, evaluation of their resources, and production. Hard copies of files are available at Alaska Resources Library and Information Services (ARLIS) in Anchorage.
Kardex Mineral Property Records
Alaska Mineral Property Kardex Images and Index Maps: by 1:250,000 Quadrangle. The Kardex files were a paper-based system developed by the Territory of Alaska in 1953 to track minerals information and mining activity. Files contain historical information on production, mining methods, and individuals involved. Through the mid-1990's, the U.S. Bureau of Mines maintained a series of overlays at 1:250,000 scale showing Kardex locations and property descriptions.
Alaska Mineral Industry Data Index (AKMIDI)
Database of ~16,000 records of mineral information that are owned by ~18 different groups around the state, including Native corporations, private companies, state libraries, and land managers.
Alaska Resource Library and Information Service (ARLIS)
ARLIS is a repository for State and Federal mineral-resource information and private collections; includes Anaconda Minerals Co. collection (outside CIRI region). Reference Services, Anchorage, AK, 99509; PH: (907) 272-7547
Alaska-Related Master's Theses and Ph.D. Dissertations
An annotated bibliography of Alaska-related Master's theses and Ph.D. dissertations.

Miscellaneous Links

Alaska Mineral Industry Report
An annual summary of mineral activity (mining, advanced projects, exploration) in Alaska.
Alaska's Mineral Resources Poster
A poster-sized map showing the locations of exploration projects and mines in Alaska.
Alaska Miners Association (AMA)
Trade association for mineral exploration and mining in Alaska. AMA offers a number of industry resources on its website, hosts annual conferences, and publishes an annual directory of Alaska exploration service companies and consultants.
Alaska Native Corporations
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), enacted into law December 18, 1971, was intended to settle outstanding land claims and establish clear title to Alaska's land and resources. The Act established Native regional and village (community) corporations. DNR maintains a map of Alaska Regional Corporation boundaries.

Agency Contacts

Department of Natural Resources

Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS)

Provides digital geological, geophysical, geochemical, and elevation datasets, maps, and databases.

3354 College Road
Fairbanks, AK 99709
907-451-5000

Geologic Materials Center (GMC)

Archives, indexes, and makes physical geologic materials and related data available for public study. Materials include statewide collections from industry, state and federal agencies, and others.

3651 Penland Parkway
Anchorage, AK 99508
907-696-0079

Division of Mining Land & Water (DMLW)

Oversees mining (regulations, permitting, claim records), land titles, dam safety, and water resources. Manages all State-owned land except for trust property and units of the Alaska state park system. The Division authorizes State land and water uses.

550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1070
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-269-8600

Office of Project Management & Permitting

The Large Mine Permitting Team is responsible for coordinating permitting activities for large mine projects in Alaska to ensure timely development.

550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1260
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-269-8690

Department of Environmental Conservation

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Issues permits for mining activities that affect air or water quality or involve land disposal of wastes in Alaska.

410 Willoughby Avenue, Suite 303
Juneau, AK 99811

Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development

Division of Economic Development

Provides business assistance, financing, promotion, and public policy to promote growth and diversification of Alaska's economy.

333 Willoughby Avenue, 9th Floor
Juneau, AK 99801
907-465-2510

Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority

Provides financing of minerals development and associated infrastructure to encourage economic growth of Alaska.

813 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99503
907-771-3000

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Alaska Science Center

Outreach Contact: Yvette Gillies
4210 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Juneau, AK 99811
907-786-7039

U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

BLM Alaska

BLM has various locations across the state.
BLM Alaska State Office Locations and contact information

U.S. Forest Service

Alaska Region

Alaska Regional Office
PO Box 21628
Juneau, AK 99802-1628
907-586-8806

Chugach National Forest
161 East 1st Ave., Door 8
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-743-9500

Tongass National Forest
648 Mission Street
Ketchikan, AK 99901
907-225-3101

Special-use permits

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