DNR, DEC Applaud True North Gold Mine Reclamation Success
because Alaska has some of highest environmental standards in the world,” Brune said. “The successful reclamation of this mining site is the perfect example of why it’s more environmentally conscientious for Alaskans to encourage mining here, rather than allow projects to go to parts of the world that don’t undertake the protective efforts that we do.” The remediating work included grading and recontouring 149 acres, seeding and fertilizing 270 acres, planting vegetation on 52 acres, and removing all mining buildings. The operators also began a long-term monitoring program to ensure long-term stability of the landscape. True North is one of the first — and the largest — modern hard rock mines on state land where operators have completed their work, the state has accepted the operator’s request to relinquish the land, and the land has been returned to the state for management consistent with current land use plans. Brune and Feige expressed appreciation to True North’s managers on a job well done, and thanked the many state permitters and regulators, some now retired, whose dedicated work ensured protection of the public interest at every step in the process.
testament to Fort Knox’s successful partnership with the State of Alaska and exemplifies its commitment to environmental stewardship. As a responsible mining company, we are very proud to be able to return the land back to the people of Alaska. Though Fort Knox still has many years of mine life remaining, responsible reclamation is always top of mind and is an important part of our mine planning, as we have demonstrated through our efforts at True North.” “Alaska’s founders knew responsible resource development was key to a secure and prosperous state, and our experience with True North shows that they were right,” said DNR Commissioner Corri Feige. “The developers leased state land, produced a valuable commodity to serve global markets, employed Alaskans, and paid state taxes and royalties. When they were done, they remediated the effects of their work and returned the land to the state for its next use. The system works.” DEC Commissioner Jason Brune praised the operators of True North for meeting both the spirit and letter of state environmental protection laws and demonstrating the wisdom of supporting responsible mineral production in Alaska. “I always say, ‘Think globally and develop locally,’
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www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I December 2020
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