Public Notice

Preliminary Findings of Fact: Application for Coal Exploration Permit

Flatlands Coal Exploration Project (Application # E-1601-2)

On February 13, 2025, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water (DMLW) received a request from Flatlands Energy Corporation to review a coal exploration application under 11 AAC 90.165 for the Canyon Creek Coal Exploration Project.  

The exploration area is approximately 20 miles west southwest from the Skwentna airport, Alaska within Sections 19, 30, 31, Township 20N, Range 13W, and Sections 24, 25, 36, Township 20N, Range 14W, Section 6, Township 19N, Range 13W, and Section 1, Township 19N, Range R14W, all within the Seward Meridian. Approximately 5,120 acres of land are within the exploration area.

The proposed exploration activities consist of drilling up to twelve exploration drill holes. All drill sites will be reclaimed and all drillholes not retained as monitoring wells will be sealed immediately upon completion of work at the site.  In addition to the drillholes, the project is also to replace the current meteorological station with a different station and a larger tower. The new station location must be approved by DEC. All work will be helicopter supported, no roads or camps will be established in the exploration area. All equipment used on site will be removed upon completion of the exploration program.

Pursuant to 11 AAC 90.167(b) the Flatlands Energy Corporation has proposed a reclamation bond in the amount of $62.741.00 to cover the associated reclamation liability of twenty exploration holes. 

The application complies with the requirements of the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Program (AS 27.21 and 11 AAC 90).  All exploration and reclamation activities are to be consistent with 11 AAC 90.167. 

Copies of the Exploration Permit Application, Preliminary Findings of Fact and other supporting documents are attached below. They are also available for review at the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water offices located at 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501.

A person who may be adversely affected by this decision may file written comments within 30 calendar days after the date of publication of this Preliminary Finding. Comments regarding this application should be sent to the address listed above, by fax to (907) 269-8930, or by e-mail to coalprogram@alaska.gov with the subject “Flatlands Coal Exploration Project”.

The deadline for submitting comments is 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2025.