Deadline for comment has been withdrawn (updated 07/29/08)
Redfern Resources has withdrawn the original application to barge materials and equipment, and new permit requests could be made mid-August 2008. Please check back for updates.
Overview:
The State of Alaska announced a public review and comment period for the Tulsequah Chief Project Air Cushing Barging Proposal. A proposal to move mine product via Air Cushion Barge (ACB) and amphitrac by way of the Taku River from the mine site to Juneau was submitted by Redfern Resources, Ltd., the mine owner. The Alaska Coastal Management Program will review the project for consistency.
The Tulsequah Chief Mine Project is a polymetallic mine located in British Columbia, near the Taku River. The mine is expected to generate $24 million annually for Southeast Alaska, with a minimum eight-year life expectancy. Approximately 20 – 30 direct jobs will be created in Juneau, and approximately 250 jobs at the mine site. Operation and success of this project will open the door to other projects in the area, creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Redfern Resources has contracted to have the amphitrac created for this project, to specifically protect the land and waters. The amphitrac, along with the ACB, both have very low ground-pressure, which will minimize ground disturbance. The ACB can safely travel over land or water in extreme conditions. The transportation vessels will avoid salmon spawning habitats and will be monitored to avoid and minimize disturbance.
The mine proposal also includes clean up of the waste rock from original mining operations from the 1950s. While the mine is not located on the U.S. side of the border, the benefits of the clean up will positively impact the Taku River, and other nearby waterways.
The Alaska Large Mine Team, consisting of representatives from various departments, all with expertise in mine development, has been invited by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans to participate in the review of the project. This team will ensure the project meets or exceeds the permitting standards in Alaska. This will ensure the protection of water quality and fisheries.
For additional information, refer to the Public Notice located at:
http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/mining/largemine/tulsequah/publicnotice.htm
Action Requested:
- Attend a public meeting February 4, 2008, in Juneau at the Juneau Centennial Hall, Ballroom 3, located at 101 Egan Drive, from 7:00 to 9:30 pm.
- Submit comments in support of the Tulsequah Chief Mine Project ACMP permit.
Submit written comments to:
Tulsequah Chief Project Comments
Attn.: Tom Crafford, Mining Coordinator
ADNR/Office of Project Management and Permitting
550 West Seventh Ave., Suite 900D
Anchorage, AK 99501
Comments may also be sent via email to: tom.crafford@alaska.gov
Faxes may be sent to (907) 269-8930.
Points to consider for your comments:
- The design of the project’s transportation equipment will minimally impact the area. The wake generated by the water equipment is small, and the Air Cushion Barge and amphitrac both have very low ground pressure, reducing potential impact to a minimum.
- Access to the site will accelerate clean up efforts of waste rock from mining operations in the 1950s, which will help maintain clean water.
- The mine is expected to generate $24 million annually for Southeast Alaska, with an eight-year life expectancy. Approximately 20 – 30 direct jobs will be created in Juneau, with approximately 250 jobs at the mine site. Operation and success of this project will open the door to other projects in the area, creating sustainable employment opportunity.
- Alaska’s Large Mine Team will ensure the Tulsequah Mine Project meets or exceeds Alaska’s permitting standards to protect water quality and fisheries.
- Issuance of the permit will eliminate potential impacts of a road or other ground transportation methods to the environment.
- During operation, efforts to avoid conflict of area resources, including fishing and fish habitat, will be implemented.
Deadline for comment has been suspended (updated 02/27/08)
