agreed-upon payments from Teck — regional elected officials have already been considering sharp cuts to government services. But Teck has long been examin- ing its options to expand explora- tion into nearby state-owned land. The new permit allows the com- pany to build about 10 miles of roads needed to access two zinc deposits, Aktigiruq and Anarraaq, that if de- veloped could help sustain mining operations. Teck now has construction of the road underway. “We’re breathing a sigh of re- lief that the permit finally got ap- proved,” said Dickie Moto, the bor- ough mayor. “It means a lot for the borough and our residents.” The Army Corps permit covers the disturbance of nearly 20 acres of wetlands, and the construction of other infrastructure, like bridges and culverts, to support Teck’s ex- ploration work. The company previously used small rigs flown in by helicopter, to drill test holes at Aktigiruq and
The company initially submitted a permit application in 2018 — then withdrew it a year later because it was missing necessary information related to historic preservation, ac- cording to John Budnik, an agency spokesperson. Teck resubmitted an application in 2022.
Anarraaq. Now it plans to do more substantial exploration, including through an underground portal, which requires the road to bring ib heavy equipment. Teck anticipates that it will need at least six more years of explorato- ry drilling to determine if the two deposits can be mined economical- ly.
— Max Graham, Northern Journal
Teck Alaska pursues new mineral deposits Photos Courtesy Teck Alaska Red Dog Mine, one of the world’s largest zinc mines, has generated billions of dollars for Alaska Native corporations across the state.
BUILDING ALASKA ONE OUNCE AT A TIME CONAM’s track record of successful projects has proven that resource development can be done responsibly while protecting Alaska’s fragile environment. Our firm understanding of Alaska’s unique challenges and commitment to HSSE and planning have translated into
revenue for the Northwest Arctic Borough. It also has generated billions of dollars for Alaska Native corpora- tions across the state since opening more than 30 years ago through the required sharing of NANA’s mineral profits required by the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Act. But the days for the Red Dog Mine itself are numbered: Running low on ore, the mine is set to close in 2031. Facing the prospect of di- minished revenue for the borough — which comes through yearly,
Dog Mine, to build roads and oth- er infrastructure to reach two new zinc prospects. It’s a significant step toward ex - tending mining in the region, which will shut down in 2031 unless those new deposits prove economic. With the federal Clean Water Act permit in hand, Teck Alaska now says it will move ahead quickly with ad- vanced exploration. The Red Dog Mine, one of the world’s largest zinc mines, is a ma - jor source of jobs in the region and accounts for more than 80% of the
Red Dog Mine operator gets OK for infrastructure For years, one of Alaska’s larg- est mines has steadily depleted its ore while its operator has waited for a key federal permit to access new mineral deposits. In December, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the permit for Teck Alaska, operator of the Red
satisfied mining clients across the state. We get dirty so you get the pay dirt.
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