Mineral Industry Research Laboratory
The Mineral Industry Research Laboratory was established by the 1963 Alaska Legislature to conduct basic and applied research to aid in developing Alaska's mineral and energy resources. This unit, as one of two research branches of the School of Mineral Engineering, conducts studies concerning beneficiation and hydrometallurgy of Alaskan ores, geology and mineral deposits of the state, placer mining and gold recovery, mining-related problems in frozen ground, feasibility studies on mineral deposits and environmental studies related to mining activities.
A well-equipped coal laboratory is devoted to research and service activities on the characterization, petrography, distribution and preparation of Alaska's coals. Cooperative efforts are maintained with state and federal agencies, and where applicable, a service function is supplied to individuals and industry. Publications pertinent to the industry are issued and made available to the general public.