Public Notice: Final Findings of Fact and Decision 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.  DMLW has reviewed the request to issue a coal exploration permit under 11 AAC 90.165 and makes the following final findings and decision. DMLW finds that the application meets the requirements of 11 AAC 90 and AS 27.21 for coal exploration and is hereby approved.  All exploration and reclamation activities are consistent with 11 AAC 90.167. 

This exploration will be issued for a two-year term and includes permit areas located 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 located on Coal Lease ADL 553937 are within the exploration area.

Pursuant to 11 AAC 90.167(b) DMLW has determined that a reclamation bond in the amount of $61,318.00 is sufficient to cover the associated reclamation liability of twenty exploration holes. All exploration and reclamation activities are to be consistent with 11 AAC 90.167. 

Copies of the Final Findings of Fact and Decision, the Preliminary Findings of Fact, the exploration application as well as 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.

The applicant, or a person with an interest, which is or may be adversely affected by this decision may request in writing a hearing under AS 27.21.150 to review the reasons for this decision. Any request for a hearing must be received within 30 calendar days after the date of publication of this decision or by June 23, 2025. 

The request for a hearing may be mailed or delivered to the Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1400, Anchorage, AK 99501; or faxed to 907.269.8918; or sent by electronic mail to: dnr.appeals@alaska.gov.