Alaska Natives: A Major Pacific Rim Mineral Force

Alaska Native corporations, as representatives of the aboriginal inhabitants of Alaska, control the mineral rights to 18 million hectares of Alaska, approximately 12% of the state. These corporations were established through legislation passed by the United States Congress in 1971 designed to settle the land claims of the Native peoples of Alaska. Twelve corporations, each representative of a specific geographic and cultural region, were established and granted the mineral rights to most Native lands in their respective regions. Since that time the Native corporations have taken an active role in mineral development in the state. Generally through agreements with established mining companies, Native corporations encourage balanced exploration and development of their lands. Substantial mineral potential has been recognized on Native corporation land, which includes holdings in many historic mining districts of Alaska. Several world class deposits have been discovered on Native corporation land, including the Red Dog zinc-lead deposit, which began production in late 1989. The experience of Alaska Native corporations demonstrates that aboriginal peoples can be very positive forces in resource development.Alaska, although remotely located in the Northeast corner of the Pacific Basin, is playing an increasing role as a supplier of natural resources to the region and the world. Most of Alaska's privately held natural resources are owned by the aboriginal inhabitants of the state. These aboriginal inhabitants, now collectively referred to as Alaska Natives, have emerged in the last two decades as having a major international impact in mineral resource exploration, development, and production.