Alaska Geologists Map Locations of Strategic and Critical Minerals

Geologists mapping Alaska's rare earth elements

FAIRBANKS, AL (NEWSMINER) -- Several geologists with the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, part of the Department of Natural Resources, are taking part in a $3 million state effort to create a detailed map of strategic and critical minerals, including rare earth elements, cobalt, platinum, tin, and yttrium, in order to determine their potential in Alaska.  The growing issue of rare earths to national security is causing a rush to determine Alaska's rare earth potential.  More than 95 percent of the rare earth elements are used in a variety of military hardware.  This mapping effort is aimed at kick starting in-state development of Alaska's resources.  The mapping project is already paying large dividends to the state in a new boom of resource development and a third of all strategic mineral exploration occurred in Alaska in the last two years.  Source:  Alaska Geologists Part of Effort to Map Locations of Strategic and Critical Minerals (Reliability: Medium)

Comment:  The mapping project in Alaska began last year and will continue through the end of this year and through next year.