The Alaska Minerals Commission is set to expire on February 1, 2004. SB 79 seeks to extend the Commission until the year 2014.

The Alaska Minerals Commission was first created in 1986 and charged with making recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on ways to mitigate constraints on the development of minerals in Alaska. The commission consists of 11 members. Each member must have at least five years experience in the minerals industry. Five members are appointed by the Governor, three by the President of the Senate, and three by the Speaker of the House. At least one member must reside in a rural community.

The Commission must report its recommendation to the Governor during the first ten days of the regular session.

The Alaska Minerals Commission has had numerous recommendations implemented since 1987. Recommendations that were implemented include:

• Passage of Alaska Minerals Policy Act (1988)
• Funding for airborne geophysical surveys (1992-2002)
• Creation of a task force for RS2477 trail inventory (1993)
• Assertion of RS2477 rights-of-way (1997)
• Legislative Resolution 31 was passed opposing International Parks, World Heritage Sites, and Marine Biosphere Reserves in Western Alaska, and supporting the federal American Lands Sovereignty Protection Act (1997)
• Extending terms of permits when legal impediments prevent use (1994)

updated: 03-03-03

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