The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 8 on a placer mining application for Independence Creek near Central. Charles Tillian and Online Exploration want to conduct mechanical placer mining on state land in the Circle Mining District.

The proposed operation would run from the date of approval through December 31, 2027, on a site in Section 35, Township 8 North, Range 12 East, Fairbanks Meridian. The application includes requests for a miscellaneous land use permit, an approved plan of operations, and a reclamation plan.

Placer mining uses mechanical equipment to extract gold and other minerals from stream beds and gravel deposits. The state will review the application to ensure the operation meets environmental and reclamation standards under Alaska regulations.

Written comments must reach the Division of Mining, Land and Water by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on May 8. Send comments to the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, or email [email protected].

Michelle Corrigan at the state permitting office can answer questions about the application at 907-451-2743. The full application packet is available for review at the Fairbanks office.

The state may approve the plan with conditions after reviewing public comments and completing its technical review. Other state and federal agencies will also review portions of the application for separate permits.