The Daily Alaska empire., 1938-03-29
Alaska Mineral Policy
Engineering and Mining JournaD

Engineering and Mining JournaD
 Discussing Alaskan resources and development, the Planners of National Resources Committee have for the first time revealed rather fully their thinking about mineral policy It is not unreasonable to assume that, within the limits of Federal control they would apply in continental United States the general ideas which they set forth for this Territory That they want conservation policy, and that they want retention of control by the Government is not sur prising The implied recognition that private industry must do the development if it is to be accomplished is decidedly more unexpected.
 In its report to the President, transmitted about Christmas and released late in January the Commit tee recognizes distinction between possible reserves Of strategic minerals and those solely of commercial concern. Although urging studies to determine whether antimony, chromium, manganese, nickel, or tin might not be developed there these Planners are anything but impatient about other mineral reserves saying, Solely a means of advantageously com pleng its economy in time of peace the United States has no real need for raw materials that Alaska re- sources may be able to provide although if such raw materials be produced in competition with world supplies without governmental subsidy this may be economically desirable"
 The major recommendation of the report probably enthusiastically supported by most of mineral indus try is: Tn any event it would to be the part of wisdom to speed up the geological exploration of the mineral resources of the Territory and to map
 them with the greatest speed in order that it may be learned whether not Alaska possesses any consd- erabe store of strategic minerals in addition to those already known"
 In it's mineral recommendation the Committee raises question to the deSirabilty of active mining in this Territory. It says: Any stimulus or encouragement to industry, assuming that this may be justified in the national interest will tend to benefit others. Certain developments unrelated to mining would follow expansion of mineral expora- ton. Mining, however unless it is of the lode type tends to break down the objective of permanent building in compact involving full utilization of resources This from the context, is clearly in tended criticism Of "overaggressive" gold eXpoi tation which, the Committee says has included eXpoi tation of labor and of the natives.
 Recognizing that tax program for Alaska may be made the means of indirect control the Committee makes important policy statement It generaizes thus
 In any event, yield severance taxes if adopted for the purpose of accommodating capital should be made very substantial, although not heavy as to discourage unduly salmon canning mining. The taxes should not be heavier in any event than is necessary to collect the maximum amount of revenue Whether existing taxes already heavy enough too heavy, too light the Committee is in position to say The revenue thus accumulated should be looked upon capital for the development of the country rather than as income to meet the current expenses of the government"