The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 11 on a placer mining and suction dredge application for a site near Chicken in the Fourtymile Mining District.

Henrich Onufer and Elina Chernyak applied to conduct mechanical placer mining and suction dredging on an unnamed creek near the South Fork of the Fourtymile River. The operation would be located in Section 34, Township 27 North, Range 18 East, Copper River Meridian. If approved, the authorization would run through December 31, 2030.

The application includes requests for a plan of operations approval, reclamation plan approval, and miscellaneous land use permits on state lands. Cross-country travel on state lands outside the mining locations may also be authorized.

Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on May 11, 2026. Send comments to the Division of Mining, Land and Water at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, or email [email protected].

Questions about the application or requests to view the full application packet should be directed to Michelle Corrigan at (907) 451-2743. After reviewing public comments, the department may issue an authorization with conditions or modify the proposed activity.

People with disabilities who need auxiliary aids or services to comment should contact Alaska Relay at 711 or 800-770-8973 for TTY services.