March 14, 2022, 12-1 pm
What will the mining industry in Alaska look like in 20 years? Can it help Alaska solve some of its economic challenges? Researchers Bob Loeffler and Brett Watson will present findings from their 2022 study that analyzed existing and upcoming mining projects within the framework of a “mining development pyramid.” They will discuss three possible scenarios for Alaska’s mining industry over the next two decades, along with a broad view of how those scenarios might contribute to Alaska’s economy.
Bob Loeffler, Research Professor of Public Policy, ISER
Bob has a long history working with land and resources issues in Alaska, most of it in government. This work included issues involving land planning, mining, oil and gas, and forestry. He coordinated Alaska’s large-mine permitting process at the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, and then served as Director of the Division of Mining, Land and Water for seven years. He has served as Planning Director of the Exxon Valdez Trustee Council, as an economist with the Alaska Power Authority, and as a private consultant. He has taught UAA courses in public land management, the mining industry, and how to talk about contentious issues. Bob has a Master of City & Regional Planning from Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, an M.S. in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering) from Stanford University, and a B.S. in Applied Earth Sciences from Stanford University.
Brett Watson, Research Assistant Professor of Economics, ISER
Brett’s work focuses on how natural resource wealth is created, managed, and distributed both nationally and in the state of Alaska. He is particularly interested in applying modern econometric approaches to questions surrounding resource policy, community engagement with resource extraction, and extractive firm behavior. He holds a PhD and MS in Mineral and Energy Economics from Colorado School of Mines and a BBA in Economics from Texas State University. Prior to joining ISER, Brett worked as a research associate at the Department of Energy’s Critical Materials Institute studying the supply chains for rare and specialized materials for use in clean energy applications.
