State seeks public comment on Deadwood Creek placer mining amendment

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 11 on an amended placer mining plan for Deadwood Creek near Central. Joseph Andrew Berry applied to modify his mechanical placer mining operation on state land in the Circle Mining District.

The amendment would extend mining authorization through December 31, 2032, for a site in Section 32, Township 8 North, Range 18 East, Fairbanks Meridian. The project, called Deadwood Creek 5, involves mechanical placer mining and may include cross-country travel on state lands outside the mining location.

The state is reviewing the application under 11 AAC 86.800, which governs plan of operations approvals for placer mining. The department will also evaluate the reclamation plan to ensure the land is restored after mining ends.

Written comments must reach the Division of Mining, Land and Water by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on May 11, 2026. Send comments to the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, or email [email protected].

Questions about the application or requests to view the full packet should be directed to Michelle Corrigan at (907) 451-2743. After reviewing public comments, the state may issue an authorization with conditions or modify the proposed activity.