Gold mining has been a very important industry in Alaska for many years. It started after the United States bought the land in 1867. Russian explorers first found gold in 1848, with serious mining starting in 1870 near Juneau. Gold can be found almost everywhere across Alaska. Fairbanks, Juneau, and Nome are key historical and current mining spots.
Many gold mines, both large and small, operate in Alaska today. Alaska was the second-largest gold producer in the US in 2019. It brought in over 539,000 ounces from five major mines. This valuable metal contributes greatly to Alaska's economy. For example, it added over $888 million in 2018. Gold made up 28% of all mining wealth for the state.
Several important mines are working now. These include Fort Knox near Fairbanks, an open-pit operation. The Pogo and Kensington mines dig for gold deep underground. Greens Creek also finds gold along with silver. A new mine, Manh Choh, opened in 2023 and sends its ore to Fort Knox. Alaska has huge future plans with projects like Donlin Gold. This project holds one of the world's largest gold deposits.
