Mineral Industry Research Laboratory • (907) 474-7366

The Mineral Industry Research Laboratory was established by the 1963 Alaska Legislature to conduct basic and applied research to aid in developing Alaska’s mineral and energy resources. MIRL is one of two research branches of the School of Mineral Engineering. Research focuses on beneficiation and hydrometallurgy of Alaskan ores, geology and mineral deposits of the state, placer mining and gold recovery, mining-related problems in frozen ground, feasibility studies on mineral deposits and environmental studies related to mining.

A coal laboratory is devoted to research and service activities on the characterization, petrography, distribution and preparation of Alaska’s coals. MIRL works in cooperation with state and federal agencies and, where applicable, offers services to individuals and industry. Publications pertinent to the mineral industry are made available to the general public.