Alaska, the place in question, is considered the last frontier by many—a vast, empty land with majestic scenery and an extremely sparse population density.  New reality television shows featuring Alaska are numbered in the dozens and still increasing, with “Alaska State Troopers,” “Buying Alaska,” and “Life Below Zero” being among the most popular.  Does the real Alaska, however, live up to the wondrous Alaska that has served as the inspiration for so much so-called reality?  

Dysprosium, a “rare-earth” element, is essential in the production of technologies as varied as iPhones, wind turbines, smart bombs and predator drones. China currently dominates the global dysprosium market, but the discovery near Hydaburg could change all of that by supplying U.S. production demands for decades to come. Not everyone in Hydaburg, however, is enthusiastic about the idea of a mine. Despite the promise of jobs, some residents say a mine will lead to pollution of their salmon fisheries.