smaller expansions continue at the Fort Knox Mine.
Domestic and international demand for Alaska’s coal Coal remains in a strong position as an efficient energy supplier to six interior Alaska electrical power plants, including three military sites: Fort Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base and Clear Air Force Station; Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA); Aurora Energy; and the Uni-
Photo: Alaska Miners Association
Photo: Alaska Railroad Corporation
Coal transported via the Alaska Railroad.
Niblack project. versity of Alaska Fairbanks power plant. In the 2014 Capital Budget, the Alaska State Legislature approved a series of grants, revenue bonds, and loans to replace the UAF power plant. The project will replace existing coal boilers with circulating fluidized bed boilers, providing 17 megawatts of power and enough steam to heat the campus – greatly reducing the risk of a winter shutdown. In 2014, GVEA broke ground and began upgrades for a 50 megawatt coal-fired
power plant dubbed Healy 2. This project is expected to help offset rising oil prices and stabilize electric rates by utilizing cost effective coal – ensuring increased demand. Usibelli continues to export coal to both South Korea and Chile, while recently providing test shipments to several potential new markets, including Russia, Taiwan, China, and Japan.
State support for industry expansion The State of Alaska is leading respon-
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2015
| Mining North of 60
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