Coal in Alaska requirements to enhance environmentally sound use in both domestic and Pacific Rim markets

Abstract

This document originates from three meetings held in 1989 with the leaders of the Alaskan Coal Industry and coal technologists from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)~ Mineral Industry Research Laboratory (MIRL) and Geophysical Institute - University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the Alaska Science and Technology Commission, several of the Alaska Native Corporations, and a number of coal experts from private industries. The information included is intended to illustrate the vast resource base and quality of Alaskan coals, show the projected size of the Pacific Rim steam coal market, discuss policy changes necessary to facilitate the development of an expanded coal industry, and describe the technology development needs for Alaskan coals to compete in the world market. It is aimed at increasing the general knowledge about the potential of coal in Alaska and providing data for use in marketing the resource.Prepared for the Governor and Legislators - State of Alaska under the Direction of Dr. Henry Cole, Science and Technology Advisor. Technical Editor - Dr. Warrack G. Willson, Energy and Environmental Research Center, University of North Dakota; and Mineral Industry Research Laboratory, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Co-authors - W. (Bill) Irwin, Consultant, Calgary, Alberta; Dr. John Sims, Usibelli Coal Mine Inc.; Dr. p.o. Rao, Mineral Industry Research Laboratory; and Bill Noll, Suneel Alaska Corp