The demand for Electric Vehicles is revving up. Improved range capacity, a wider selection of products, and rising consumer demand for lower-emission vehicles are setting the stage for increased production of these sought-after vehicles.  

Recognizing this quickly rising market need, the industry has identified strategies to accelerate the electrification of new vehicles, investing billions of dollars in research and development. S&P Global Mobility forecasts U.S. electric vehicle sales could reach 40 percent of total passenger car sales by 2030. 

These factors are the catalyst for an anticipated expansion of occupations that can drive the design and development of EVs into the future. EV production depends on mined metals used in electric vehicles, and Alaska holds large reserves that can help meet this demand.

Did you know? Hybrid cars require 75 lbs of copper vs. 42 lbs. of copper in a traditional car.

A New Workforce For Electric Vehicles, Powered by Alaska Mined Metals

The labor trajectory supporting EV technologies is expansive and includes design, computer science and technology, power products production, and charging infrastructure. As the electrification of vehicles progresses, these fields are anticipated to grow by a large margin. EV jobs might start in tech labs or manufacturing plants, but they begin with electric vehicle metals. Alaska’s mining supplies the raw materials that keep this workforce moving.

Engineers:

• Battery Engineers/Scientists: These professionals focus on developing and improving battery technologies. They work on enhancing energy density, charging times, and overall performance of EV batteries.
• Electric Vehicle Engineers: Specialized engineers are needed to design, develop, and test EVs. This includes professionals in mechanical, electrical, and automotive engineering.
• Power Electronics Engineers: EVs rely on sophisticated power electronics systems for efficient energy conversion. Power electronics engineers design and optimize components like inverters and converters.

No electric vehicle works without the mined metals that power the systems these engineers create. Alaska’s resources give those systems a solid foundation.

Storage Systems:

• Energy Storage System Engineers: Beyond automotive applications, energy storage systems are vital for grid stabilization and renewable energy integration.

Battery metals like graphite, zinc, and other mined resources support both mobile and stationary energy storage. Alaska mines feed this part of the electric vehicle chain.

Infrastructure:

• Charging Infrastructure Specialists: With the rise of EVs, the need for an extensive and still efficient charging infrastructure is critical. Specialists in planning, designing, and maintaining charging stations will be in demand.

Charging infrastructure uses a wide range of mined metals used in electric vehicles. Many of those materials can be sourced from Alaska’s mineral-rich deposits.

Computer Science:

• Software Developers: As EVs become more connected and autonomous, software developers will play a crucial role in developing the necessary algorithms and systems for EVs.

The data systems powering EVs still rely on physical materials. Electric vehicle metals like copper and rare elements from Alaska enable faster processors, better circuits, and reliable sensors.

Environmental & Regulatory:

• Environmental and Sustainability Experts: Professionals with a background in environmental science or sustainability can play a crucial role in the overall ecological impact of EVs, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.
• Regulatory and Compliance Experts: As the EV industry evolves, professionals who understand and navigate regulations and compliance standards specific to electric vehicles will become more and more important.

Sustainable EV growth depends on responsible mining that is good for Alaska. Alaska’s environmental standards and mineral wealth work together to support global electrification without cutting corners.

Maintenance:

• Electric Vehicle Technicians and Mechanics: Traditional automotive technicians will need to adapt their skills to work on EVs, which have different components and systems compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

EV technicians rely on components built from metals mined in places like Alaska. The tools may look different, but the job still starts with raw material under the ground.

Management & Marketing:

• Supply Chain and Logistics Specialists: Managing the supply chain for EV components, especially critical elements like batteries, requires expertise in sourcing, logistics, and inventory management.
• Data Analysts and AI Specialists: EVs generate large amounts of data, and professionals who can analyze this data for performance optimization, predictive maintenance, and other applications will be in demand.
• Sales and Marketing Specialists: As the market for EVs expands, there will be a need for individuals with expertise in selling and marketing these vehicles.

Sales and supply chains can’t deliver EVs without access to electric vehicle metals. Alaska mining companies play a part in keeping that pipeline running.

Why Mined Metals Matter for EV Growth

The electrification of vehicles is a multidisciplinary field, and professionals with skills in engineering, technology, environmental science, and business will find numerous opportunities in this growing industry. Those opportunities run on electric vehicle metals, mined from Alaska. From batteries and motors to chargers and processors, mined metals used in electric vehicles drive every breakthrough. Alaska plays a key part in this supply chain. Its mines deliver the raw materials that help power clean transportation, support good jobs, and keep manufacturing moving. That connection puts Alaska’s mining future right in the middle of the EV revolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mining in Alaska

What’s the connection between mining in Alaska and renewable energy?

You can’t build a solar panel without minerals like silver and zinc. Wind turbines need copper and rare earths. Batteries for EVs rely on cobalt, graphite, lithium, & nickel. Alaska’s mineral reserves include a bunch of those — especially zinc, copper, and graphite. The U.S. imports most of these from overseas right now. That’s expensive and politically risky. Alaska offers a safer, domestic supply that meets modern environmental standards. Mines here operate under strict permitting rules and undergo regular monitoring. You’re not getting that from every supplier abroad. So while mining and renewables might seem like opposites, they’re actually linked. One doesn’t exist without the other. Climate-smart mining helps bridge that gap by reducing emissions while pulling out the stuff clean tech needs.

How are emissions tracked at Alaska mining sites?

With sensors, software, and hard numbers. Mines don’t guess at their emissions anymore. They install fuel meters, air monitors, and exhaust sensors across the site. These feed into dashboards that environmental staff check daily. If emissions spike, they know why and how to adjust. Some companies have partnered with tech firms to automate this process. They get real-time alerts if equipment runs inefficiently or fuel usage increases unexpectedly. This data also goes into quarterly reports for regulators and shareholders. There’s no hiding it — it’s all tracked and documented. That pressure leads to better performance. Engineers tweak truck routes, refine blasting schedules, or upgrade generators to stay below thresholds. It’s a lot of work, but it pays off. Less fuel burned means lower operating costs and fewer surprises during inspections.

What are the biggest environmental concerns and how are they handled?

Water contamination tops the list. That’s why treatment plants, closed-loop systems, and constant water testing have become the norm. Dust is another one. Mines now spray roads and crusher areas with treated water or chemical binders to stop particles from blowing offsite. Noise can affect wildlife and nearby communities. So companies set limits on blasting hours and use noise barriers or sound-dampening equipment where possible. Then there’s habitat disruption. Again — biologists help map sensitive zones so construction avoids high-risk areas. No mine avoids impact entirely, but these layers of monitoring, testing, and design changes reduce the chances of something going wrong. And if it does, there are emergency response plans in place. Crews run drills, keep spill kits ready, and train for quick action. Mistakes are costly, so the better path is prevention.