Geologic Materials Center - General Information

The mission of the Alaska Geologic Materials Center (GMC) is to permanently archive, index, protect, and make available for public inspection, accessible geologic materials and related data to help advance exploration and knowledge of Alaska's natural resources.

The Alaska GMC, located in Eagle River, is the central repository in which geologic materials collected from Alaska are cataloged, stored, and studied. The center is permanently maintained and managed by the State of Alaska with support from cooperating government agencies that include the USBLM, USGS, USBOEM, AOGCC and private industry.

Alaska is home to world-class, discovered and undiscovered natural resources. The ability to provide baseline geologic data and access to samples from prior exploration efforts is a critical part of investing in the future of our state and crucial for researchers to improve on existing data and obtain a better understanding of our natural resources.

The cores and samples stored at the GMC are critical for exploration and resource management in the state, as the information they provide will likely help discover new or additional oil and gas reserves, regions of viable geothermal energy, or new mineral prospects, as they have in the past.

Modern sophisticated analysis of archived samples is widely recognized as a cost-effective alternative to the tremendous expense of core drilling and resampling in the field. One foot of core can provide critical information to an exploration or development company, potentially leading to discovery and ultimately to millions of dollars in lease, tax, and royalty revenue to the State and hundreds of local jobs.