NOTICE OF PRELIMINARY FINDING OF FACT,

SURFACE COAL MINING PERMIT RENEWAL

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section (DMLW-Mining) has received an application for the renewal of the Two Bull Ridge Mine Surface Coal Mining Permit Number S-0603 from Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743).

This notice is pertaining to the DMLW-Mining’s review and adjudication of a request to renew a Surface Coal Mining Permit under 11 AAC 90.129.  These activities are subject to AS 27.21 (Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act) and Alaska Administrative Code, Title 11 (Natural Resources) Chapter 90 (Surface Coal Mining). The Department has found that the renewal application contains all the information required under 11 AAC 90.021 – 11 AAC 90.101.

APPLICANT(S): Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM)

PROJECT NAME: Two Bull Ridge Mine

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Hoseanna (Lignite) Creek

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Township 11 South, Range 7 West, Sections 26-28 and 32-35, Fairbanks Meridian; and Township 12 South, Range 7 West, Sections 3-5, Fairbanks Meridian.

The Two Bull Ridge Mine permit consists of a 2,522-acre mine site and is located approximately five (5) miles northeast of Healy, Alaska. 

REQUESTED ACTIVITIES: This renewal request is for an additional five-year term and includes the permit areas previously approved in the existing permits. No additional mining areas or revisions to the existing boundaries are proposed. No changes or modifications to the operation or reclamation plan are being proposed.  The application is currently being reviewed to determine if it meets the technical requirements of the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act.

Copies of the application and preliminary findings and other supporting documents are attached below. These documents are also available for review at the DMLW-Mining’s offices located at 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501.

DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: 5:00 PM on October 05, 2026

A person who is or may be adversely affected by the issuance of this permit may file written comments or objections and may include with an objection a request for an informal conference (AS 27.21.140). 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 “2026 Two Bull Ridge Mine Renewal”.

The state is prepared to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications in order to participate in this review. Individuals who may need such assistance should contact the Department’s Public Information Center in Anchorage between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at 269-8400 by telephone or by TDD at 269-8411.”