Public Notice:

Preliminary Findings of Fact: Application for Healy Valley Bulk Sample

(Coal Exploration Application # E-0604-1)

On July 14, 2025, the Division of Mining, Land, and Water (DMLW) received a request from Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc (PO Box 1000, Healy, AK 99743) to review a coal exploration application under 11 AAC 90.163 and 11 AAC 90.165 for the Healy Valley Bulk Sample Project.

The exploration area is approximately 7 miles east of Healy, Alaska within Township 12S, Range 6W, Fairbanks Meridian, Sections 17-20. 

This permit will authorize a bulk sample of 25,000 tons in Healy Valley. 

Pursuant to 11 AAC 90.167(b) the UCM has made a proposed reclamation bond in the amount of $68,660.54 to cover the associated reclamation liability associated with reclamation of the bulk sample site.   

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 “Healy Valley Bulk Sample Coal Exploration Project”.

The deadline for submitting comments is 5:00 p.m. on August 25, 2025.