From the latest Alaska Mineral Industry report published annually by the Department of Natural Resources: "Alaska’s mineral industry continues to grow in strength and size based in part on the great mineral potential of the state and its strategic location. Mineral exploration expenditures were up 47 percent from 2009 levels to $264.4 million in 2010. This marked the sixth consecutive year with exploration expenditures exceeding $100 million. Development expenditures in Alaska in 2010 declined by nearly 11 percent, to approximately $293.3 million, from $330.8 million in 2009. Despite the decline, this was the seventh consecutive year development expenditures exceeded $200 million. Mineral production volumes remained strong. The estimated gross wholesale (first market) value of mineral production in 2010 increased more than 27 percent, to $3,126.8 million, from $2,455.6 million in 2009.
"Mineral industry employment rose in 2010 to 3,872 full-time-equivalent jobs, an increase of 592 jobs (18 percent) from the 2009 total of 3,280. The largest change in employment from 2009 was a gain in mineral development jobs from 371 to 537, an almost 45 percent increase. Exploration jobs also increased from 422 jobs in 2009 to 520 in 2010, a 22 percent increase. Mineral production employment increased signifi cantly in 2010, with 2,815 jobs across all production sectors in 2010, compared with 2,487 jobs in 2009. The Alaska industry also created an estimated 2,000 indirect jobs.
"Estimated revenues in 2010 to the State of Alaska and municipalities from mineral-industry-specific fees, rent, sales, royalties, and taxes amounted to more than $86.5 million. State corporate income tax payments are unavailable for 2010 and could not be included in the revenue total."
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