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ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 



ANILCA extinguished any opportunity for southeast Alaska to 

 realize its maximum mineral potential. Those areas proposed for 

 "Wilderness" in HR 987 will further erode that potential. 

 Wilderness designation will adversely affect mineral development 

 in four primary ways: 



1) 

 2) 



3) 



A) 



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 projects 

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elopment of known deposits that have 

 e "Wilderness". 



e mineral development in adjoining 

 hem uncompetitive due to higher costs 

 r Wilderness" environmental standards. 



long range potential of adjacent 

 imes the information developed in an 

 11 show that the orebody extends 

 1 mine area. Extension of the mine 

 ible if there was adjacent Wilderness. 



projects due to insurmountable 

 nd costs due to blocked access. 



The Wilderness designation will directly and indirectly affect 

 mining and all other development to include recreation, tourism, 

 timber harvesting, fisheries enhancement, etc. We believe that 

 this indirect or "fringe effect" is a factor that has not been 

 adequately addressed in the evaluation of the impact on the 

 economy of southeast Alaska that these "Wilderness" areas will 

 precipitate. 



If there is anything that we can do to assist you in making these 

 points known to other members of Congress, their staffs, etc. 

 please let us know. We are very concerned with the Tongass bills 

 that are now under discussion and remain at your disposal to help 

 explain the true effect that this legislation will have on the 

 mining industry and the overall economy of southeastern Alaska 

 and on the mineral supplies for our nation. 



Sincerely , 



Steven C. Borell, P.E. 

 Executive Director 



cc: Senator Ted Stevens 



Congressman Don Young 



