The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 11 on a proposal to drill for copper and gold near Groundhog Creek, about 30 miles from Illiamna.

Chuchuna Minerals Company and Falcon Copper Alaska want to conduct diamond core drilling and geophysical surveys on state land in the Bristol Bay Mining District. The companies are seeking approval to operate through December 2035.

The project would involve phased exploration drilling on roughly 3,000 acres in sections 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, and 34 of Township 1 South, Range 34 West. The state is reviewing applications for a plan of operations, reclamation plan, and land use permits. Cross-country travel on state lands outside the mining locations may also be authorized.

Written comments must reach the Division of Mining, Land and Water by 5:00 p.m. on May 11. Send comments to [email protected] or mail them to the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709.

The full application packet is available for review. Contact Michael LaDouceur at (907) 451-2784 for questions or to view the complete file.

After reviewing public comments, the state may issue an authorization with conditions or modify the proposal during the review process.