Critical and strategic minerals in Alaska. Cobalt, the platinum-group metals, and chromite

A uniquely mineralized area extends from northwestern Canada through Alaska into eastern Siberia. Some of the metals found there are relatively rare in the conterminous United States. Among these are cobalt, the platinum-group metals, and chromite. Geologic evidence suggests that cobalt and the plat...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Barker, J.C., Still, J.C., Mowatt, T.C., Mulligan, J.J.
Language:unknown
Published: 2022
Subjects:
USA
Online Access:http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/5773710
https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5773710
https://doi.org/10.2172/5773710
Description
Summary:A uniquely mineralized area extends from northwestern Canada through Alaska into eastern Siberia. Some of the metals found there are relatively rare in the conterminous United States. Among these are cobalt, the platinum-group metals, and chromite. Geologic evidence suggests that cobalt and the platinum-group metals may be present in deposits that could constitute nationally important reserves. Chromite in potentially minable deposits is known, but it may be relatively less abundant. Limited reserves of these metals have been delineated, but most of the favorable terranes and reported occurrences throughout the vast expanse of Alaska remain unexplored. As part of the mineral studies mandated under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, this first in a series of annual reports summarizes available information about deposits and past production of cobalt, the platinum-group metals, and chromite, and describes current and planned Bureau investigations of these minerals. 21 references.