Overview
Mine development projects in Alaska and elsewhere in the world create opportunities to generate employment and spin-off benefits in areas where few other economic activities are viable. Responsible development of the proposed Pebble Project will provide employment and other significant benefits for the Bristol Bay region and the state of Alaska over many decades. These benefits include:
- A capital investment of $3-4 billion;
- 1,000 high-skill, high-wage operations jobs for 50-80 years;
- 2,000 jobs during the project's 2-3-year construction phase;
- Hundreds of millions of dollars in annual operating expenditures;
- Tens of millions of dollars in annual payments to state and local government;
- Supply and service contracts and spin-off benefits for local communities;
- New social and economic infrastructure for the Bristol Bay region.
The Pebble Project has potential to expand and diversify the economy of the Bristol Bay region, where permanent jobs are scarce and the costs of living are high. The regional economy depends heavily on commercial fisheries, yet an estimated 70% of jobs in this industry are now held by non-Alaskans.
In contrast, the present workforce at the Pebble Project site is predominantly Alaskan, with hiring priority given to local residents.
Workers at Alaska's mines and development project are among the highest paid in the state. The average compensation for mining jobs in 2007 was $80,000, 90% higher than the state average. Mining also has one of the highest resident workforce rates in the state at more than 80%.
Click here (48KB pdf) for details of mining's contribution to Alaska's economy.
Business Opportunities
More than 50 consulting firms and 500 environmental scientists and technicians – of which 75% are Alaskan - have worked on environmental studies and programs to support the preparation of a development plan for the Pebble Project. These studies are valued at $87 million to the end of 2007, and will continue in the years ahead. Development of the Pebble Project is expanding Alaskan expertise in environmental science and resource development and helping to diversify the state's economy.
On a local basis, businesses and residents in the Bristol Bay region are already benefiting through supply and service contracts for vehicle rentals, lodging, catering, construction, transportation and personnel services. The Pebble Partnership is also working to identify and develop opportunities for local businesses related to future mine development.
Local business development will remain a priority for The Pebble Partnership in the years ahead. An important goal is to ensure that some of these businesses survive after mine closure. This sustainable development model is the true promise of Pebble.
