RDC Comment Letter: Support of Two Bull Ridge Mine
Permit Held by Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc.
Mr. Russell Kirkham
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
550 W 7th Ave Ste 800
Anchorage, AK 99501
Dear Mr. Kirkham:
The Resource Development Council is writing to express its support for revision of the permit to conduct surface coal mining activities under the Two Bull Ridge Mine permit held by Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc.
RDC is a statewide organization made up of all resource sectors, business associations, labor unions, Native corporations, tourism providers, local governments and individuals. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.
RDC supports surface mining activities in the Two Bull Ridge area, which sits five miles northeast of Healy. The proposed revision is entirely within the original permit area and would expand to include coal reserves north of the Two Bull Haul Road, which lies between the active mine area and the West Valley fill. As Usibelli has invested in infrastructure in the area, such as roads and power lines, it would be prudent use of the resource to extract as much coal as possible from Two Bull Ridge. Revision to the permit will add life to the mine and minimize new land outside of the permit that would be impacted to meet coal demand.
Usibelli has been mining coal in Healy since 1943 and has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining and improving the environment through its reclamation process at similar operations in the area. RDC believes that the aforementioned factors merit timely issuance of a revised permit to allow these operations to proceed.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Resource Development Council
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