Support for SB 90, an act extending the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission 

March 10, 2023

Submitted electronically via: [email protected]

Co-Chairs Senator Bishop and Senator Giessel
Senate Resources Committee
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska

Dear Co-Chairs Senator Bishop and Senator Giessel and Members of the Senate Resources Committee:

The Resource Development Council for Alaska (RDC) writes in support SB 90, an act extending the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission (Commission) to 2034. RDC is a statewide, non-profit trade association founded in 1975. RDC membership is comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s fishing, tourism forestry, mining, and oil and gas industries and includes Alaska Native corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

Historically, Alaska’s mining industry has been one of the cornerstones of our state’s economy. Many roads, docks and other infrastructure throughout Alaska were originally constructed to serve the mining industry, which consists of exploration, development, and production. In 2022, the industry provided 11,400 direct and indirect jobs with a payroll of $1 billion - some of Alaska’s highest paying jobs with an average annual wage of $130,000, significantly higher than the state average for all sectors of the economy. The mining industry also supports essential services: In 2022, the mining industry provided $55 million in local tax revenue, $131 million in state government revenue, and $266 million in royalty payments to Alaska Native Corporations.

Since 1986, the Commission’s role is to recommend strategies to mitigate constraints on mineral development in Alaska. The Commission continues to be an effective means of ensuring policy makers have the benefit of the collective input of lead practitioners in the industry. With so much current focus at the federal level on developing our minerals, including critical minerals, for a clean energy transition, domestic mineral security and independence, the Commission’s role is more important than ever.

RDC believes the Commission provides a necessary voice on issues and recommendations for the continued success of the State of Alaska’s mineral industry. It should be allowed to continue to do this work for the benefit of Alaskans. RDC urges you to move SB 90 out of Senate Resources in a timely manner. Thank you for your consideration of these comments.

RDC