The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 11 on a proposed suction dredge mining operation on the Fourtymile River near Chicken. The deadline is 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time.

Jesse and Joell Haley-Fence, Michael Cupp, and Maiden Bench Limited applied to operate suction dredges on state mining claims along the Fourtymile River in the Fourtymile Mining District. The operation would run through December 31, 2029, unless extended. The application also requests approval for cross-country travel on state lands outside the mining locations.

The mining claims cover sections in Township 7 South and Township 8 South, east of Chicken in Interior Alaska. Suction dredges use underwater vacuums to extract gold and other minerals from river bottoms.

The department reviews the application under state mining regulations that require approved plans of operations and reclamation plans. Other state agencies and federal agencies also review mining permit applications for compliance with environmental and safety requirements.

Written comments must be received by the Division of Mining, Land and Water at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 by the May 11 deadline. Comments can also be emailed to [email protected]. Questions should be directed to Michelle Corrigan at 907-451-2743.

The full application packet is available for review at the Fairbanks office. After reviewing public comments, the department may issue an authorization with conditions or modify the proposed activity.