The Alaska Legislature has ordered the creation of a long-term mine development plan for “critical and essential minerals” important to high technology and defense manufacturing.
Senate Bill 118Sen. Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River) passed the bill in the state Senate 20-0 in late April, and the state House passed it 39-1 on Sunday.
Rep. David Eastman (R-Wasilla) was the only “no” vote.
House Minority Leader Dan Sadler (R-Eagle River), who spoke in favor of the bill, said state lawmakers have warned that Alaska has no access to Chinese-controlled rare minerals used in solar panels, weapons and other high-tech manufacturing. He said he hopes it will become an alternative source of resources.
The bill directs the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to “identify strategies to increase the state's industrial exploration and production and development of critical and essential minerals over the next three, five, and 10 years.”
The bill also would “assess whether the state's location is valuable in global supply chains and identify strategies for the next three, five, and 10 years to advance the state's innovation, manufacturing, and transportation.” We are also seeking a second report.
Both reports must be submitted to Congress by January 2026.
“This is about the state government working with academia and other government agencies and industry experts to figure out what obstacles are in the way and what policies the state government can put in place to encourage private enterprise as well. “Industry needs to invest in the production of these important minerals for our country,'' Sadler said.
The bill heads to Gov. Mike Dunleavy's desk for final approval or veto.
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