Administrative Agency:

State Agency: Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), Office of Economic Development (OED)

Program Goals:

The Office of Economic Development Minerals Section works to promote the growth of the minerals industry in Alaska by: -Providing staff support for the Minerals Commission. -Analyzing proposed legislation relating to the industry and providing comment. -Providing information to the public relative to the minerals industry in Alaska. -Providing technical and administrative support for prospectors and industry personnel. -Working with industry and the public to identify and resolve barricades to development. -Promoting developmental improvements, such as a value-added facility. -Conducting promotional programs. -Supporting efforts to improve work force development and technical education to students to support the industry. -Participating in preparation of the annual Alaska minerals industry report. -Participating in federal and state land planning and permitting of mines. -Providing technical support to other departments. -Providing other assistance as requested and needed.

Resource Provided:

The Minerals Section of the Office of Economic Development is the primary advocacy agency in state government promoting mineral exploration and development by providing information, economic data, and technical assistance to individuals, businesses, and government agencies. The office also produces an informational Alaska Minerals Industry compact disc and works with the State of Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys and the Division of Mining, Land, and Water to publish the Alaska's Minerals Industry report each year. The Alaska's Minerals Industry report provides information about Alaska minerals exploration, development, and production and is available free of charge to the public and to government and business organizations.

Eligibility:

Assistance available to anyone needing information about the Alaska Minerals Industry.

Program Contact:  (Primary Contact listed first.)

Rich Hughes, Minerals Development Specialist
Office of Economic Development
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
211 Cushman Street
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone: (907) 451-2738
Fax: (907) 451-2742
e-mail: rich.hughes@alaska.gov
Web site: http://commerce.alaska.gov/oed/home.htm

Lisa Harbo, Minerals Development Specialist
Office of Economic Development
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
211 Cushman Street
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone: (907) 451-2748
Fax: (907) 451-2742
e-mail: lisa.harbo@alaska.gov