State seeks public comment on placer mining plan near Circle

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through April 28 on a proposed placer mining operation in Tinhorn Gulch, about 160 miles northeast of Fairbanks near the community of Circle.

Destry Payne has applied for permits to conduct placer mining on state land in the Circle Mining District. The operation would cover portions of two sections in Township 7 North, Range 13 East. If approved, the authorization would run through December 31, 2035.

The application includes a plan of operations and reclamation plan required under state regulations. The department may also authorize cross-country travel on state lands outside the mining locations.

Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on April 28, 2026. Submit comments to the Division of Mining, Land and Water at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, or by email to [email protected].

Questions about the application or requests to view the full packet should be directed to Willow-Creek Feighery at 907-458-6885.

After reviewing public comments, the department may issue an authorization with conditions. The proposed activity may be modified during the review process. A fact sheet explaining the permitting process and other required state and federal permits is available at dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/cdn/pdf/factsheets/mining-permits-through-apma.pdf.