The feds own the mineral rights to the federal lands.
The natives own the mineral rights to the native lands.
The state owns the mineral rights to the state and privately held lands.
Federal Government owns about 60% of Alaska. Natives own almost 12%.
http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/factsht/land_own.pdf
That I how I understand it myself.
The Oil Companies not only pay a royalty to those 3 entities, they also pay the State and the residents of the state, through the Permanent Fund.
Alaska is one of the few states obligates the Oil Companies to so many outside taxes, fees and charges for producing their Oil. It is extremely difficult for them to make a profit, regardless of the price. Many have indeed pulled out for Canada, North Dakota, Nebraska, etc,.
They are still stuck with all that invested equipment and infrastructure and must remain, but they do so with just operating at a minimum, to reduce their losses.
It’s a sad thing to see an otherwise formerly healthy industry get choked to death, even with $106 Oil.