State seeks public comment on placer mining plan near Fairbanks

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 11 on a placer mining application for First Chance Creek near Fairbanks. Charles Tillian and Thomas Ebenal have applied for permits to conduct mechanical placer mining on state land.

The proposed operation would run from the date permits are issued through December 31, 2030. The mining site is located in Section 32, Township 2 North, Range 1 East, Fairbanks Meridian, within the Fairbanks Mining District.

The application includes requests for a Plan of Operations Approval and Reclamation Plan Approval under state regulations. Cross-country travel on state lands not within the mining locations may also be authorized. Any other state land use outside the mining locations will be reviewed separately by the department.

Written comments must be received by 5:00 PM Alaska Standard Time on May 11, 2026. Comments should be sent to the Division of Mining, Land and Water at the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office, 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709. Comments can also be emailed to [email protected].

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