MINERAL MATERIALS ACROSS ALASKA, OR HOW MUCH IS THIS ROCK WORTH?

The state of Alaska is vast and complicated. The Federal agency responsible for administering and managing the majority of that land is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), within the U.S. Department of Interior. In conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, the BLM is responsible for ensuring that the U.S. taxpayer dollars are being used in the most fiscally responsible manner.

One of the methods to assist with ensuring everyone’s money is being used responsibly is an area-wide mineral materials report. In effect, this is an up-to-date reference for geologists within Federal agencies to use in determining the most appropriate rate, or "fair market value" to charge for minerals produced from public land. These minerals can range in size and composition from fill dirt, to sand, to pumice, to boulders and everything in between.

This presentation will discuss the unique aspects of this research area and the challenges that accompany it. An overview of the statistical and geospatial research methods used will be compared to the types of data gathered during field work, and the applications of these data to the overall conclusions of the research. Questions addressed include: How is the geology similar or different across the study area? Why do rates in one place differ (sometimes dramatically) from one another? What factors influence the market areas? How do Federal, state and local government regulations influence markets? Are transportation distances significant? How do stakeholders such as Native Corporations or Tribal organizations influence the markets? Is the geology in one market comparable to other markets?

All of these factors contribute to the larger picture of minerals in Alaska, and our collective understanding of the natural resources in that unparalleled landscape.