New rental rates are now in effect for state mining claims, leasehold locations, prospecting sites, and mining leases in Alaska. The new rental rates became effective on August 30, 2019, and thus are applicable to the rental year that commenced on September 1, 2019.

These increases were made by the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) under Alaska Statute 38.05.211, which requires DNR to adjust the rental rates every 10 years based on the change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Alaska. The last adjustment was completed in 2009.

The new rental rate schedule may be viewed here.

Rent for the rental year commencing on September 1, 2019, must be paid in accordance with the new rates at the DNR office in Anchorage or Fairbanks no later than Monday, December 2, 2019. The regular due date of November 30 falls on a Saturday, so under 11 AAC 88.130(d) the due date is extended “to the next day the office is open to the public.” Note that last year DNR unexpectedly closed its Anchorage office on November 30, and many state computer systems were offline on that date and for several days thereafter, due to the earthquake that struck at 8:29 a.m. that morning. To avoid such unforeseen circumstances affecting either your ability to pay or DNR’s ability to accept payment, we recommend that you make your payment well before the deadline.

Claimants who make a partial payment based on the old rates should receive notice and an opportunity to cure under 11 AAC 86.221(e).