Heavy Mineral Placer Deposits of Alaska and Yukon Territory, Canada - Abstract

From 1886 to 1995, heavy mineral placer deposits in Alaska, USA, and Yukon, Canada have yielded 1,143 tonnes (36.78 million ounces) refined gold, 179 tonnes (5.76 million ounces) of byproduct silver, 20.1 tonnes (646,046 ounces) platinum metals, 2,858 tonnes tin, and minor amounts of tungsten, mercury and antimony. Approximately 78 percent of total gold, 98 percent of total platinum, and 96 percent of total tin output from the Alaska-Yukon regionhave been extracted from placer deposits; remaining historical production of these commodities have been derived from standard lode (hardrock) deposits. Reserves of all past productive commodities exist in Alaskan-Yukon placer deposits. In addition, significant resources of titanium (ilmenite), iron (magnetite), and zircon have been delineated in strandlines of Alaskan coastal areas.