The Tongass National Forest is seeking the public’s input on a proposed expansion of operations at the Kensington Gold Mine, located north of Juneau. Coeur Alaska Inc. is requesting an operations plan amendment for additional tailings, waste rock disposal, and related infrastructure at the mine.
A 45-day public comment period on the supplemental environmental impact statement, which considers the proposed changes to the Plan of Operations, began today and will remain open until December 14.
The proposed additions will extend the life of the mine and allow for continuous site operations in a safe, environmentally sound, technically feasible, and economically viable manner, while complying with regulatory requirements. The current predicted life of the Kensington mine is 2023. Activities under the proposed Plan of Operations Amendment will add 10 years to the expected mine life to 2033.
USDA Forest Service experts will work toward minimizing the impacts of mining activities on other forest resources by working closely with the state and other federal agencies with regulatory authority to ensure that measures are in place to protect water quality and nearby aquatic habitats.
The comment period allows the Forest Service and the public to collaborate in defining the range of issues and possible alternatives to be addressed and is critical in making sure the forest is responsive to the needs and concerns of local communities.
Comments can be submitted several ways:
- Electronically at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/
project/?project=55533 - Email: sm.fs.kensington@usda.gov
- Fax: (907) 586-8808.
- USPS Mail:
- 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
- ATTN: Kensington Mine Plan Amendment
- Juneau, AK 99801