1991: Alaska Native corporation in joint venture opens Red Dog Mine

Red Dog Operations is a joint venture between NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. (NANA), an entity owned by the Iñupiat of northwest Alaska, and Teck Alaska Incorporated. Teck Alaska Incorporated is a business that runs the mining operations, while NANA contributes Iñupiat business values and owns the land, which contains the world's largest reserves of zinc and lead. The mine is managed to protect the region’s natural resources for future generations and not infringe upon Iñupiat culture and lifeways. NANA’s profits from the mine are used to improve the quality of life for Iñupiat people by maximizing economic growth, protecting and enhancing Iñupiat lands, and promoting healthy communities.

Nearly 55 percent of the mine’s employees are NANA shareholders, and opportunities for training and education are offered to Iñupiat youth.

Theme

Land and Water

Region

Arctic