Northwest Arctic residents have until July 27 to comment on Teck Alaska lease near Red Dog Mine

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has issued a preliminary decision, not a final authorization, to grant Teck Alaska Incorporated a 10-year negotiated lease on roughly 9 acres of state land in the Northwest Arctic Borough. The public comment deadline is July 27, 2026.

The proposed lease covers abandoned material site MS-7, east of the DeLong Mountain Transportation System road. Teck Alaska plans to install a communications tower, propane storage, and a solar array there, and to use the site for water storage. The DMTS hauls lead and zinc concentrates from Red Dog Mine to a Chukchi Sea port. The site falls within the Western Arctic Caribou Herd's summer range. DNR's preliminary decision notes that additional traditional uses may be identified during the public notice period, adding: "If further traditional uses become known, they will be discussed in the final finding and decision."

Performance Bond Reduction

A notable detail in the preliminary decision: DNR reduced the required performance bond from the standard $32,700 to $10,000. The agency's document states that "given the applicants history of compliance and on-site ownership of equipment necessary to remove the facilities and rehabilitate the site, this amount has been reduced to $10,000."

Comment Deadline

DNR said: "Written comments about this project must be received in this office no later than 11:59 PM on July 27, 2026 to be considered." Submitting written comments preserves the right to appeal the Final Finding and Decision. Comments go to DNR's Division of Mining, Land and Water, Northern Region Land Office, 550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1050, Anchorage, AK 99501.