NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AND REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
APMA F20249831

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has received a Multi-Agency Application for Permits to Mine in Alaska (APMA) for Hardrock Exploration and Reclamation in the Kaiyuh Mining District, near the community of Nualato. APMA forms include applications for Miscellaneous Land Use Permits (MLUPs), Approved Plan of Operations, and Reclamation Plan Approvals for mining operation.

This notice is pertaining to the Department’s review and adjudication of a Plan of Operations Approval application pursuant to 11 AAC 86.800 for exploration activity as well as reclamation approval on state lands. Winter cross country travel   on state lands not within state mining locations may also be authorized. State land use outside of the mining locations, if any, will be adjudicated by DNR separately.

APPLICANT: Piek Incorporated and Western Alaska Copper & Gold

PROJECT NAME: Illinois Creek

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Illinois Creek

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

Sections 13, 14, 23-25, & 36, Township 16 South, Range 4 East, Kateel River Meridian

Sections 10-36, Township 16 South, Range 5 East, Kateel River Meridian

Sections 7, 18, 19, 30 & 31, Township 16 South,  Range 6 East, Kateel River Meridian

Sections 1, 11-14, 23- 26, 35, & 36, Township 17 South, Range 4 East, Kateel River Meridian

Sections 1-24, & 26-35, Township 17 South, Range 5 East, Kateel River Meridian

REQUESTED ACTIVITY: The applicant proposes a continuing helicopter supported Multi-Year Hardrock Exploration Program.  Proposed activities include 304 Diamond Core drill holes and 21 trenches. Ongoing use of the existing airstrip, roads, and camp. This project includes 70 state mining claims that are currently under application for conversion to a state upland mining lease (ADL 422236) as well as an additional 241 claims not requested for conversion to a lease. This proposed Plan Of Operation is not contingent on lease issuance due to the existing mining claim rights. 

PROPOSED DATES OF USE:

Start: Date of Issuance.

End: 12/31/2028

DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: April 5, 2024 by 5:00 PM Alaska Standard Time (AST).

This notice is provided to the public and the public is invited to comment on this activity. The purpose of this notice is to gather input before a decision is made on this activity.   To ensure consideration, written comments must be received by the Division of Mining, Land and Water at the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office, 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709  on or before 5:00 PM on the date noted above.

Written comments, questions concerning this activity or requests to view the full application packet should be directed to Jadon Farleigh, Telephone (907) 458-6885; Fax: (907) 451- 2703 or submitted via SmartComment at https://alaskadnr.commentinput.com?id=RJuhNSQZr.

After review and adjudication, we may issue an authorization with stipulations for the activity. The activity may be modified during the review and adjudication process.

Mining fact sheet that includes the other state and federal agencies that receive and adjudicate this application the permits the applicant may require can be found here: https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/cdn/pdf/factsheets/mining-permits-through-apma.pdf

A more detailed discussion of the agencies that receive the application can be found in the APMA application packet: https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/forms/apma/2024/pdf/2024-APMA-Full-Application.pdf

DNR-DMLW complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services or special modifications to comment should contact Alaska Relay at 711 or 800-770-8973 for TTY services.

The DMLW reserves the right to waive technical defects in this notice.