Mining in Alaska

Mining in Alaska produces zinc, lead, silver, gold, copper and coal from a handful of large operating mines. The industry’s history stretches from the gold rushes of the late nineteenth century to modern underground and open-pit operations.[1]

Operating mines

Greens Creek in Southeast Alaska is an underground polymetallic mine producing copper, silver, zinc, gold and lead. Kensington, in the Berners Bay Mining District about 45 miles north-northwest of Juneau, is an underground gold mine operated by Coeur Alaska. Red Dog, near Kotzebue, is a zinc-lead mine operating since 1989. Fort Knox, 26 miles northeast of Fairbanks, is an open-pit gold mine owned by Kinross since 1998. Pogo, about 38 miles northeast of Delta Junction, is an underground gold mine producing about 1,000 ounces of gold per day.[1]

Coal

The Usibelli Coal Mine near Healy in the Alaska Range, founded in 1943, is the only operating coal mine in Alaska and averages above 2 million tons a year.[1]

Projects in development

Projects listed as in development include Donlin Gold in western Alaska, one of the largest known undeveloped gold deposits, the Niblack prospect on Prince of Wales Island, and the Livengood gold project north of Fairbanks.[1]

FAQs

What minerals does Alaska produce? Zinc, lead, silver, gold, copper and coal.

What is the largest silver mine in the U.S.? Greens Creek in Southeast Alaska.

Is there coal mining in Alaska? Yes, at the Usibelli mine near Healy.

Sources

1. University of Alaska Southeast: Alaska Mines and Mining Projects

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue