Walker proposes mining claim restructure

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker Jan. 26 introduced legislation that would do away with the state's longstanding annual labor requirements to hold state mining claims, replacing the current system with increased rental rates.

Under the proposed legislation, introduced to the Alaska Senate as S.B. 166, the new rental rate for prospecting sites would be a one-time fee of $300 for a two-year term.

Rentals for...