State seeks public comment on placer mine near Chicken through May 11

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 11 on a placer mining application for Confederate Creek in the Fourtymile Mining District near Chicken.

Double Eagle Mining and Geotech Mining Services applied for approval to conduct mechanical placer mining on state lands in sections 22, 26 through 28, and 35 of Township 7 North, Range 27 East. The operation would run through December 31, 2035, unless extended.

The application includes a plan of operations, reclamation plan, and land use permits for the mining site. Cross-country travel on state lands outside the mining locations may also be authorized.

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

Michelle Corrigan at the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office can answer questions at 907-451-2743. The full application packet is available for review by contacting the office.

After reviewing public comments, the department may issue an authorization with conditions. The proposed activity may be modified during the review process.