Show METAL MINING IN ALASKA IN 1925 VALUE OF OUTPUT INCREASES As shown in advance statements prepared by the U S geological survey the mines of alaska produced minerals to the value of in 1925 as against in 1924 the total value of the mineral output of alaska since 1880 is nearly the figures for 1925 which are estimates and subject to revision are taken from the surveys annual report on the mineral resources of alaska now in in preparation the source of this mineral wealth is approximately as follows 1924 1925 gold copper silver i coal other minerals lead petroleum marble gypsum tin platinum etc I 1 on the whole the condition of the mineral industry industry y of alaska in 1925 showed improvement over the preceding year it is true that there was a decrease in the production of gold and coal but these decreases are believed to have been of only temporary significance and do not at all indicate a permanent decline in fact throughout the territory there was unmistakable signs that many of the operators were putting their properties in a more efficient condition and that people with capital were seeking opportunity for investment in large operations of stability rather than in ill projects that would be quickly worked out or in in speculative mining ventures the influence of improved mining methods and larger scale operations have already begun to yield results at some of the mines and further effects are to be expected in 1926 though it may still be several years before all the projects now under way will be significantly reflected by a notable increase of production there are still large areas in alaska that have not been adequately prospected and many promising properties are now lying idle because of lack of capital for the necessary equipment the shortage of enterprising prospectors is a serious drawback that has resulted because wages for comparable work are actually lower in alaska than in the states though expenses are higher As a result alaska can not attract or hold the class of prospectors it formerly did the need of capital grows more pressing as more extensive equipment becomes essential capital however will not be attracted to alaska unless the extremely high prices now asked for relatively little developed prospects are materially abated |