Great Alaska coal rush

Journal Article · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · Nation's Bus.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6298386

Velocci, T

Alaska is preparing for a new mineral bonanza as geologists estimate as many as six trillion metric tons of coal and developers plan for world exports. Asian countries particularly want to expand their energy base and are designing power plants to accept the Alaskan coal, which is mostly sub-bituminious. The economics of transportation by sea versus shipment to the 48 states makes export more attractive despite the high costs estimated to build the necessary infrastructure for shipping. Opponents to further development point out that tax revenues pay for only 10% of the basic services already provided by the state. High capital and operating costs make Alaskan development risky, however, even though the state has no severance, income, or sales taxes. Unless long-term contracts are made within the next two years, development may be delayed into the next century. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 6298386
• Journal Information: Nation's Bus.; (United States), Journal Name: Nation's Bus.; (United States) Vol. 69:5; ISSN NBUSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010000 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
294001* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
ALASKA
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL DEPOSITS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPORTS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MATERIALS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
RESOURCES
USA