State seeks public comment on Boulder Creek placer mining plan near Central

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 11 on a placer mining application for Boulder Creek in the Circle Mining District near Central. Mark Farrar has applied to conduct mechanical placer mining on state land in Section 4, Township 7 North, Range 13 East.

The application requests approval to operate through December 31, 2030. The plan includes mechanical placer mining operations and reclamation work on state lands. Cross-country travel on state lands outside the mining locations may also be authorized.

The department is reviewing the application under state regulations that govern placer mining operations and reclamation on state lands. Other state land uses outside the mining locations, if any, will be reviewed separately.

Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 11, 2026. Submit comments to the Division of Mining, Land and Water at the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office, 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, or email [email protected]. Questions about the application should be directed to Michelle Corrigan at 907-451-2743.

The full application packet is available for review at the Fairbanks office. After reviewing public comments, the department may issue an authorization with conditions for the mining activity. The proposed operation may be modified during the review process.