With world-class deposits, a business-friendly environment, and integrated local structures, it's positioned to attract and sustain investment, empowering business development and long-term economic growth for the state.
In 2023, the industry supported 11,800 direct and indirect jobs and generated $1.1 billion in wages from both mining activities and related multiplier effects. Direct employment totaled around 5,900 jobs, with an average annual wage of $107,569—nearly double the state's private-sector average.
Companies spent over $1.1 billion on Alaskan goods and services, benefiting more than 450 Alaska-based businesses. Local governments received nearly $50 million in property and tax revenues, while the state collected $116 million from royalties and taxes in 2023, plus an estimated $225 million in payments to Alaska Native corporations through revenue-sharing mechanisms.
On the export front, minerals rank as Alaska's second-largest export category, accounting for 36 percent of state exports, worth approximately $1.7 billion, driven chiefly by zinc, lead and gold. In 2023, mineral and ore exports totaled $15 billion, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The sector also fosters community and workforce development. Mining companies contributed $5.7 million to ~250 nonprofits in 2023, including $1.1 million to vocational and university programs. Approximately 72% of the workforce at Alaska's largest mines are local residents.