Zinc is more than just a rock - it is a profoundly essential ingredient for modern life. From musical instruments to semiconductors, TV screens to fishing gear and flywheels, zinc is a remarkable metal found nearly everywhere.
Alaska is a unique place - and the state’s mining industry strives to keep it that way! Advanced technologies and innovative methods align to ensure Alaska’s mining operations not only protect but actively restore the land.
Alaska has one of the most robust regulatory systems in the world - and for good reason. More than any other state, Alaska depends on the responsible development of its natural resources for its economic well-being and Alaskans care deeply about the environment.
In Alaska, operators of large metal mines are required to reclaim and close their mines. They cannot even begin construction of the mine until the state has approved their plans, and they have put up money – called financial assurance – that the state could use if the company fails to complete the job.
Think Graphite is just for pencils? Think again! Graphite could hold the key to the energy transition with Alaska well-positioned to responsibly lead the way.
For some, zinc might seem like a secondary metal but in reality it is a powerhouse; an indispensable element with a key role touching every corner of the renewable energy sector.
The fourth most used metal in the world, zinc is having a well-deserved moment in the spotlight due to its importance for the future of renewable energy. With the two top producing zinc mines in the United States located in Alaska, this future-focused state has the ability to be a key player in providing the materials needed for the energy transition.
As China tightens its grip on global graphite, Alaska’s Graphite Creek could be a game-changing ace-up-the-sleeve for the United States, relieving reliance on a foreign government for this important element.
Did you know that more than 70% of the cobalt powering our electric vehicles is mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a significant portion under Chinese control? With its vast mineral deposits, Alaska could be a major player changing the dynamics of domestic mining production.
Alaska has significant mineral resources of copper, zinc, silver, gold, graphite, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These abundant reserves offer considerable potential to enhance U.S. mineral independence.