Mineral Resources

The Mineral Resources Section collects, analyzes, and makes available information on the geological and geophysical framework of Alaska as it pertains to the mineral resources of the state. Summary maps and reports illustrate the geology of the state's prospective mineral terranes and provide data on the location, type, and potential of the state's mineral resources. These data aid in the state's management of mineral development, and help to encourage mineral exploration in Alaska, which provides employment opportunities and revenue for Alaska's citizens.

Minerals Resources FY12 project descriptions

Alaska geochronologic database - Provides summary interpretive and detailed analytical data and associated information for all available radiometric ages of rocks and minerals in Alaska
Alaska mineral industry report - Annual Alaska mineral industry report provides information about exploration, development, and production of Alaska's mineral resources.
Council - Bedrock geologic mapping in the Council-Big Hurrah-bluff area, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory Program
East Bonnifield - Geologic mapping in the eastern Bonnifield mining district, Healy and Fairbanks quadrangles, Alaska: Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory Program and FY08-09 StateMap project
Gas pipeline corridor - Geology, geohazards, and resources along the proposed gas pipeline corridor, Alaska Highway, from Delta Junction to the Canada border
Iditarod geophysics - Airborne geophysical survey of the Iditarod area, Iditarod, Innoko, and Mcgrath mining districts, western Alaska: Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory Program
Ladue geophysics - Airborne geophysical survey of the Ladue area, Fortymile mining district, eastern Alaska: Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory Program
Livengood South - Bedrock, mineral, and surficial geologic interpretations and investigation of the Tolovana mining district, near Livengood, Alaska.
Moran - Geologic mapping in the eastern Moran area, Tanana and Melozitna quadrangles, Alaska: Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory Program
Northeast Fairbanks - Bedrock and surficial-geologic mapping of the northern Fairbanks mining district, Circle quadrangle, Alaska: Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory Program
Rare-earth elements and strategic minerals assessment - The goals of this 3-year project are (1) to compile historic and industry-donated data in digital format; (2) to obtain new field and analytical data critical for assessing Alaska's REE potential; (3) to evaluate the historic and new data to identify areas of Alaska with the highest REE potential, as well as those needing additional geologic evaluation; (4) to communicate the results of our work to the public; and (5) to publish the data and results of our studies on the DGGS website.
Slate Creek-Mentasta Slana - Bedrock, surficial-geologic and neotectonic mapping of the Slate Creek area, Mt. Hayes quadrangle, south-central Alaska: Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory Program