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
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