Copper mineral occurrences in the Wrangell Mountains-Prince William Sound area, Alaska

On January 9, 1970, the U.S. Bureau of Mines entered into an agreement with the University of Alaska based upon a proposal submitted by the Mineral Industry Research Laboratory. Under the terms of this agreement, the Laboratory undertook to compile information on copper occurrences in eight quadrangles covering what are loosely known as the Copper River, White River, and Prince William Sound copper provinces. If time permitted four other quadrangles would be added, and this has been possible. Information was to be obtained by searching published and unpublished records of the Bureau of Mines, the U.S. Geological Survey, the State Division of Geological Survey, the University of Alaska, and the recording offices

Sixth annual conference on alaskan placer mining

An abridged format of papers, presentations and addresses given during the 1984 conference held on March 28-29, 1984, compiled and edited by Daniel E. Walsh and M. Susan Wray

Metallogeny of the Fairbanks Mining District, Alaska and adjacent areas

The Fairbanks mining district encompasses an area of 1500 km2 (600 miles2) centred just north of the City of Fairbanks, Alaska. The district is one of six mining areas located in or near the northwestern margin of the Yukon-Tanana Uplands of east-central Alaska and the Yukon Territory, Canada. The six mining districts in Alaska (Fairbanks, Circle, Steese, Richardson, Tolovana and Kantishna) and the Klondike district nearby in the Yukon Territory, have an aggregate placer gold production of 25 million troy ounces. This production establishes the region as one of the largest gold producing areas of North America. The aim of the present investigation is to define, classify and explain the genesis of the several primary sources from which the placer gold deposits of the region were derived. Through geological mapping and sampling of the districts, the 350 identified primary mineral occurrences are classified into eight categories as follows: (1) metamorphosed volcanic-exhalative and associated low-sulfide Au-quartz veins, (2) Cu-Mo-Au porphyries, (3) precious metal enriched massive sulfides, (4) epithermal veins in plutonic rocks, (5) Au-bearing tungsten skarns, (6) Sn greisen-gold-quartz veins, (7) Sediment-hosted gold of the Carlin type, and (8) palaeoplacer gold deposits. Geological mapping and sampling has also established that recent faulting and regional uplift are responsible for stream capture, stream drainage reversal, resorting of stream sediments, and modem alluvial placer formation. The volcanic-exhalative mineralization is hosted in metamorphosed low-K tholeiitic basalts, Ca-poor rhyolitic tuffs, and cherts. In the Fairbanks district the rocks are informally referred to as the Cleary sequence. Detrital zircons from the sequence yield U-Pb ages in the ranges 1.2, 1.3- 1.4, 1.8-1.9,2.5, and 3.4 Ga. The bimodal volcanic rocks are enriched in Au, Ag, As, Sb, and W. Average gold contents of the rocks exceed average crustal abundances by two orders of magnitude. Locally the metavolcanic rocks contain base metal massive sulfide mineralization with grades up to 20% combined Pb-Zn, 3 g/tonne Au, and 500 g/tonne Ag. These metavolcanic rock are correlated with those occurring in the Kantishna district (Spruce Creek sequence) and in the Circle district (Bonanza Creek sequence). The mineralized bimodal metavolcanic suite is thus shown to extend along strike for 350 krn (210 miles) through the Yukon-Tanana Terrane. In the Fairbanks district the Cleary sequence rocks are thrust over Type C eclogites. These eclogites trend northeasterly along the regional strike to the Circle quadrangle and are correlated with the eclogites of the central Yukon Territory. Lead 206/204 and 207/204 ratios from galena from the metavolcanic sequences and from the vein deposits are similar with average values of 19.10 and 15.69 respectively. The eclogitic rocks are less radiogenic with 206/204 and 207/204 ratios of 18.80 and 15.65 respectively. Low sulfide Au-quartz veins within the metavolcanic sequences are shown to be the product of multiple thermal and deformational events in the terrane taking place at 160-185, 140-145, and 90-125 Ma, K-Ar. Studies of the fluid inclusions in the metamorphic and vein quartz demonstrate that fluid compositions (1-20 mole % CO2; 3-5 wt % NaCl equiv.) and homogenization temperatures (275-375°C) are closely similar. Gold contents of the vein systems range from 5 to 18 g/tonne. Calc-alkaline plutons of Cretaceous (85-1 10 Ma) and Tertiary (50-70 Ma) age K-Ar host epithermal veins, Sn-greisen, and W-skarn mineralization, all of which are demonstrably gold-bearing. Rb-Sr initial ratios for the mineralized composite plutons are greater than 0.71 1 indicating that anatexis of the lower crust was the source of the granitic magma. The Cu-Mo-Au porphyry mineralization is hosted in the Tertiary plutons that intrude lower Palaeozoic and Mesozoic sediments of the North American Continental Margin (NACM) in the Tolovana district. The NACM rocks are separated from the metavolcanic sequence by the eclogitic rocks and by major thrust faults. Paleoplacer Au deposits hosted in continental clastic rocks of Eocene to Pliocene age are described. These have formed in small grabens adjacent to major strike-slip faults bounding the Yukon-Tanana Terrane on the northeast and southwest respectively. These structures, the Tintina and Denali Faults, controlled sedimentation and placer formation in these grabens. Using compilations of tonnage/grade data from examples of primary deposits analogous to those identified in the Yukon-Tanana Terrane, it is shown that a single large-scale deposit of any of these types could have supplied all the gold contained in the placer deposits of the region.A thesis in two volumes submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of London. Department of Geology Royal School of Mines, Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine, London

Technology, Transportation, and Scale in the Koyokuk Placer Mining District 1890s - 1930s

The Koyukuk Mining District was one of several northern, turn of the century, gold rush regions. Miners focused their efforts in this region on the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River and on several of its tributaries. Mining in the Koyukuk began in the 1880s and the first rush occurred in 1898. Continued mining throughout the early decades of the 1900s has resulted in an historic mining landscape consisting of structures, equipment, mining shafts, waste rock, trash scatters, and prospect pits. Modern work continues in the region alongside these historic resources. An archaeological survey was completed in 2012 as part of an Abandoned Mine Lands survey undergone with the Bureau of Land Management, Michigan Technological University, and the University of Alaska Anchorage. This thesis examines the discrepancy between the size of mining operations and their respective successes in the region while also providing an historical background on the region and reports on the historical resources present

Literature review of the remote sensing of natural resources

Abstracts of 596 documents related to remote sensors or the remote sensing of natural resources by satellite, aircraft, or ground-based stations are presented. Topics covered include general theory, geology and hydrology, agriculture and forestry, marine sciences, urban land use, and instrumentation. Recent documents not yet cited in any of the seven information sources used for the compilation are summarized. An author/key word index is provided

The Rampart, Manley Hot Springs, And Fort Gibbon Mining Districts Of Alaska.

Thesis (M.A.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1995This thesis on the Rampart, Manley Hot Springs, and Fort Gibbon mining districts of Alaska provides the first comprehensive public history of prospecting and mining activity in these three districts within the gold belt of Interior Alaska. Spanning almost one hundred years, the history begins in 1894 and extracts material from early recorders' books, old newspapers, correspondence of miners whose dreams drew them to the gold fields, and U.S. Geological Survey reports which analyzed Alaska's natural resources and mining economy. It surveys mining development from stampedes during the boom years of the turn-into-the-twentieth-century through periods of decline and on into the modern, mechanized, open-pit operations near the beginning of the twenty-first century. It concludes with an extensive annotated bibliography designed to assist other researchers in finding specialized, in-depth information about the three districts. <p

Handbook for the Alaskan Prospector

It is hoped that this book will be of value to many different classes of men engaged in the search for mineral deposits. These classes might include the experienced practical prospector who would like to learn something of geology; the young geologist who needs information on practical prospecting; the novice who needs a comprehensive reference; and the all around experienced exploration engineer or geologist who might need to refer to some specialized technique, look up a reference in the bibliography, or read a resume of the geology of a particular area, Because this book is aimed at so many different classes, different chapters are written assuming different levels of learning and experience. This, no doubt, will prove troublesome at times, but it is believed to be the best way to insure that the information contained in each chapter will reach with maximum effectiveness the group for whom it is intended.[Part 1. Geology] Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction to Geology; Structure of the Earth: The Study of Geology; the Constitution of the Earth; Earth Movements -- Mineralogy: Introduction; Properties of Minerals; Identification of Minerals by Chemical methods; Blowpipe and Qualitative Tests for Individual Elements; Descriptions of Minerals; Commercial materials and their chief Mineral Sources; Determinative Mineralogy -- The Study of Rocks: Introduction; Igneous Rocks; Sedimentary Rocks; Metamorphic Rocks; Conclusion -- Structural Geology: Original structures; Imposed Structures -- Historical Geology: Introduction; the Cryptozoic (Precambrion) Eon; The Phonerozoic Eon -- Surface Features of the Land, Geomorphology: Introduction; The Fluvial or "Normal" Cycle; The Fluvial Cycle Modified by a Cold Climate; Glaciated Regions; Arid Lands; The Marine Cycle; Underground Solution Processes; Features due to Construct!anal Forces; Physiographic Provinces -- Mineral Deposits: Introduction; Brief Summary of Events in Formation; Metallogenetic Epochs; Metallogenetic Provinces; Classification of Mineral deposits; Controls of Mineralization -- [Part II. Prospecting] Background: The Prospector; Analysis of Present Status of Mining and Prospecting in Alaska; Brief History -- General Prospecting: Definitions; Preliminary to Field Work; Reconnaissance -- Prospecting and Exploration of Lodes: Prospecting; Exploration; Summary of Surface Methods; Underground Openings; Development and Exploitation; Sampling Procedures and Calculating Results; Prospecting and Exploring with Bore Holes -- Diamond Drilling: The Diamond Drill; Casing the Diamond Drill Hole; Core Drilling -- Prospecting and Exploration of Placer Deposits: General; Opencutting; Crosscutting the Creek -- Sinking Placer Prospect Shafts: Sinking shafts in Frozen Ground; Sinking shafts in Thawed Ground -- Drilling Placer Deposits: Introduction; Equipment; Process of Drilling; Keeping Records and Handling Samples; Calculating Drill Holes; Evaluating the Ground -- Geophysical, Geochemical, and Mineralogical Prospecting: Geophysical Methods; GeochemicaiMethods; Mineralogical Prospecting -- Auxiliary Techniques: Surveying and Mapping; Reading Geologic Maps and Aerial Photogrof>hs; Drilling Rock for Blasting; Use of Explosives; Blacksmithing; Use of the Pan and Rocker; Handling Gold; How to Build Various Appliances Used in Prospecting -- Transportation; Clothing; Shelter; Food; Techniques and Equipment Used in Camp Life: Transportation; Communications; Shelter; Food; Clothing -- Elements of Mining Law; Staking Claims: Introduction; History; laws Pertaining to both Lode and Placer; Lodes; Placers; Tunnel Sites; Prospecting Sites; MiIIsites; Water Rights; Liens; Grubstake Agreements; Patenting; Leasing; Licenses and Taxes; Forms; Conclusions -- Geography of Alaska: legal Subdivisions: Subdivisions Based on Geology and Geography; Broad Geographical Features; United States Geological Survey Subdivisions; Chief Transportation and Communication Routes -- Appendix: Sources of Information and Aid to Prospectors; Weights, Measure Sizes; Short Glossary of Alaskan Terms -- Bibliography: Arrangement and Scope of Bibliography; Publications of the United States Geological Survey; United States Bureau of Mines; Bureau of land Management; University of Alaska; Territorial and State; General -- Addendum: Introduction; Notes on Chapters 1, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 -- Additions to Bibliography -- Inde

Alaska coal-a bibliography

Coal has been mined and used in Alaska for more than a century, and still is the principal source of energy for power generation for the interior Alaska region. Recent events that have caused increases in the cost of energy have spurred new world-wide interest in greater use of lower cost coal in place of oil. In the past few years, there has been increased interest in Alaska coal by private investors, evidenced by stepped-up exploration activity. Interest from the Pacific Rim nations is shown by the signing of contracts between Korean buyers and the Usibelli Coal Mine; and the entrance of Korean capital into exploring the Bering River Field. Japan is continuing pilot plant testing of Beluga coal. All of this indicates a rapidly growing interest in Alaska's coal and it seemed appropriate to have a comprehensive bibliography of Alaskan coals available to help the emerging coal mining industry in Alaska. Since a literature search is the first task of every company that wants to enter the Alaskan coal. mining industry, the time seemed appropriate to compile a comprehensive bibliography of Alaskan coal to eliminate duplication of effort and guarantee the industry the most comprehensive source of information. Julia Triplehorn is uniquely qualified for this task. She is a reference librarian by profession, with background in both geology and library science, and long experience in bibliographic searches on numerous other subjects. She has done an admirable job in searching all available sources, and has added an inclusive index that took time, dedication, and patience--a job well done. The School of Mineral Industry, Mineral Industry Research Laboratory, is pleased to make this bibliography available to industry and all those involved in research working toward the development of Alaskan resources.Preparation and publication of this volume is made possible by funds appropriated by the State of Alaska for Coal Research

Mineral Industry of Alaska in 1934

A report about the potentials and resources available in regards to Alaska's mineral industry

Evaluation of the mineral resources of the pipeline corridor, phases i and ii

In accordance with U. S. Bureau of Mines (U.S.B.M.) Grant No. G0166180 entitled, “Evaluation of the Mineral Resources of the Pipeline Corridor”, the Mineral Industry Research Laboratory (M.I.R.L.), of the University of Alaska, completed an examination of the mineral resource potential of the federal utility corridor established for the trans-Alaska pipeline. The contract was completed under the direction of the Principal Investigator, Paul A. Metz and the Associate Investigator, Mark S. Robinson.Introduction -- Section I. Geology and mineral resources of the Valdez quadrangle -- Section II. Geology and mineral resources of the Gulkana quadrangle -- Section III. Geology and mineral resources of the Mt. Hayes quadrangle -- Section IV. Geology and mineral resources of the Big Delta quadrangle -- Section V. Geology and mineral resources of the Fairbanks quadrangle -- Section VI. Geology and mineral resources of the Livengood quadrangle -- Section VII. Geology and mineral resources of the Tanana quadrangle --Section VIII. Geology and mineral resources of the Bettles quadrangle -- Section IX. Geology and mineral resources of the Wiseman quadrangle -- Section X. Geology and mineral resources of the Chandalar quadrangle -- Section XI. Geology and mineral resources of the Philip Smith Mountains quadrangle -- Section XII. Geology and mineral resources of the Sagavanirktok quadrangle