WorldWide Drilling Resource

29 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JUNE 2014 Alaska Minerals Commission Takes Action in 2014 Adapted from Information Provided by the 2014 Alaska Minerals Commission The Alaska Minerals Commission for 2014 recently released a report out- lining actions to be taken in the upcoming year. The commission also addressed issues hindering development, including those within control of state administra- tion and legislature, as well as matters stemming from federal intervention. Since 1986, representatives from all sectors of the minerals industry have made recommendations to the governor and legislature regarding restraints im- posed by the government on develop- ment of Alaska’s minerals and coal. For almost three decades, the administration and legislature have successfully acted on a number of key commission rec- ommendations including the following: a Funding infrastructure develop- ment under the Roads to Resources initiative. a Reforming state permitting pro- cesses to increase timeliness and efficiency. a Gathering and publishing geo- logical and geophysical data on Alaska’s mineral potential. a Accelerating state land entitle- ment conveyances in accordance with the Alaska Statehood Act. a Reestabl ishing the Citizen’s Advisory Commission on Federal Areas. a Funding University of Alaska min- eral engineering and geology pro- grams. These initiatives sent a clear mes- sage to the mineral industry that Alaska supports a sustainable industry which can compete in global economic mar- kets. The state signed an act into law extending the termination date of the commission until 2024, thus reaffirming its value to the state. The commission commended the governor and legisla- ture for taking action to improve the exploration and mineral development climate in Alaska. The following specific action items were identified for 2014: 1. State support for the coal indus- try as an integral part of the state’s overall energy strategy, and for coal’s value as an export asset. 2. Continued support for develop- ment of energy and transportation infrastructure. 3. Continued support for resource education, including K-12 and col- legiate. 4. Funding to continue litigation against federal intervention regard- ing the management of Alaska’s land, water, and mineral resources. In a global context, Alaska is a great destination for mineral exploration in- vestment and mine development. The state is politically stable and has highly attractive geology which has seen rela- tively little exploration. The potential to Alaska’s one millionth foot of core. Courtesy of Pebble Partnership. discover highly-valuable ore deposits is great. Mineral resource developers want to invest in Alaska, but the single great- est setback to development is uncer- tainty about federal mine permitting. The industry perceives Alaska to be a difficult place to permit a mining project due to federal regulations. While the commission supports necessary regu- lations, inconsistent enforcement of regulations and unbalanced judgements are not conducive to investment or economic development. For at least the next ten years, the Alaska Minerals Commission will con- tinue service in an advisory capacity to the governor and the state legislature. As part of its role during this time, the commission will continue recommend- ing strategies to mitigate restraints on mineral development in the state. Centerline Manufacturing Co. 903-725-6978 903-725-3647 fax ~ Mud pumps for the 21st century ~ www.centerlinemanufacturing.com ~ Centerline mud pumps are getting the job done from Canada to Australia, China to Peru ~ ©WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc. 2006 Centerline Manufacturing is proud to be your complete stocking source for American Manufacturing mud pump parts!! U.S. Patent #6,769,884 and others pending Monopump models rated: 180 gpm Duplex models rated: 300 gpm Triplex models rated: 450 gpm 500 or 800 psi models available aluminum or iron. ~ The Centerline 7 1/2” x 10” hydraulic drive mono mud pump ~ ~ compact ~ fits on top or under deck ~ pumps the rated flow of a 5” x 6” @ over twice the rated pressure ~ weighs 650 lbs, 1615 lbs less! “A nation that knows how to work will never suffer..” h Henry Ford