Alaska natural resources propel state economy.

• Author: Harrington, Susan
• Position: FROM THE EDITOR - Editorial

Alaska is a natural resources state, which includes oil and gas, mining, forestry, fisheries, and tourism industries providing jobs and revenue to the overall economy as well as to state, local, and federal governments. There are two great conferences this month, and the November issue of Alaska Business Monthly is packed with natural resources articles.

We've highlighted the mining industry in our annual special section, which begins on page 74 with a message from Alaska Miners Association Executive Director Deantha Crockett: "The Future of Mining in Alaska." The organization's Fall Convention and Trade Show "Mining Alaska: Prospect to Profit" is November 1-7 at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage and is not to be missed. I've included a few details from the Alaska Miners Association.

In 2014, the Mining Industry provided:

* 4,400 direct mining jobs in Alaska

* 8,700 total direct and indirect jobs attributed to Alaska mining industry

* $620 million in total direct and indirect payroll

* $144 million in payments to Alaska Native corporations

* $119 million in state government revenue through rents, royalties, fees, and taxes

* $20 million in local government revenue through property taxes and payments in lieu of taxes

We've included a Natural Resources special section, and it begins on page 110, right after the Mining special section. Later in the month, November 18 and 19, the RDC (Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.) will host its 36th Annual Alaska Resources Conference, also at the Dena'ina Center--also not to be missed. The RDC is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and its mission is "to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state's economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources."

The RDC's 2015 Annual Report includes a brief overview of several natural resources industries--the conference will include a wealth of information. I've included a few details from the annual report.

Since 1977, the Oil & Gas Industry has provided:

* 17 billion barrels of oil, produced on Alaska's North Slope

* 90 percent of the state's General Fund unrestricted revenue

* $180 billion in total state government revenue since statehood

* 33% of Alaska jobs (direct and indirect)

* 50% of the overall economy when the spending of state revenues...