Pioneer Creek placer mine proposal opens for public comment through July 16

Public comment on a proposed mechanical placer mining application at Pioneer Creek in the Hot Springs Mining District closes at 5 p.m. on July 16, with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources still deciding whether to issue any authorization.

DNR posted the Application for Permits to Mine in Alaska, case F20267067, which can include Miscellaneous Land Use Permits, an Approved Plan of Operations, and Reclamation Plan Approvals. The application, filed by David Krideman and Metallogeny Inc., seeks a Plan of Operation Approval and reclamation plan approval on state lands near Eureka under 11 AAC 86.800. If authorized, the operation would run from the date of issuance through Dec. 31, 2030, unless extended.

Written comments must reach the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office, 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, by 5 p.m. on July 16. Comments and requests to view the full application packet should go to Michelle Corrigan at [email protected] or (907) 451-2743.

DNR has not issued any authorization. "After review and adjudication, we may issue an authorization with stipulations for the activity," the agency said. Pioneer Creek has a documented placer mining history dating to 1902. A prior application, F20157067, covered placer mining and exploration in the same Hot Springs District near Eureka.