Authority to print this and other publications is based on Alaska Statute 41.08.020, which charges DGGS to "…determine the potential of Alaskan land for production of metals, minerals, fuels, and geothermal resources; the location and supplies of groundwater and construction materials; the potential geologic hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other installations and structures; and… conduct such other surveys and investigations as will advance knowledge of the geology of Alaska. " Statute 41.08.030 adds, "The state geologist shall print and publish an annual report and such other special and topical reports and maps as may be desirable for the benefit of the state…" In addition, Alaska Statute 27.05.050-060 states, "The department shall conduct a continuing survey of the mineral resources and mining operations of the state and shall disseminate information regarding them to assist prospectors and miners, safeguard the lives and health of miners, protect investors in the mining industry, and foster and promote the best interests of the mining, mineral, and related industries of the state…The department shall make an annual report to the governor on all essential matters with regard to mining in the state…" ALASKA'S MINERAL INDUSTRY 2015Jennifer E. Athey, Melanie B. Werdon, Evan Twelker, and Mitch W. Henning Special Report 71Cover photo. Gold pan with clean-up from placer operation in the Nelchina mining district northeast of Anchorage. EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThis summary of the status of Alaska's mineral industry for 2015 is the 35th annual report produced by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys with assistance from the Division of Mining, Land & Water. Published for more than one-third of a century, the annual report endeavors to provide a consistent, factual snapshot of mineral industry activity in Alaska, and also serves as the authoritative, historical record of mining in the state. Alaska's Mineral Industry 2015 The total reported value of Alaska's mineral industry decreased in 2015 to $3.13 billion, almost 15 percent lower than its $3.66 billion value in 2014. The total value is a composite of the year's expenditures on exploration and development plus the estimated first market value of the commodities produced. Gross income reported by mining operators indicated the continued strength of the industry by increasing nearly 3 percent in 2015, to $2.50 billion, from $2.43 billion in 2014. The estimated first market value of production dropped almost 16 percent in 2015, from $3.28 billion in 2014 to $2.76 billion in 2015. The decreased mineral production value in 2015 resulted from decreased metal production as well as lower metal prices. The average 2015 price for silver had the largest drop-nearly 21 percent. Zinc was the top metal produced in 2015, according to its production value of almost 45 percent of total Alaska metal production. Gold followed at 37.5 percent, along with lead at 9.1 percent, and silver at 8.8 percent. Development expenditures in Alask...
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