Environment & Climate
Alaska approves access road for proposed New Amalga mine despite public opposition
State land officials issued a 25-year easement for a 1.3-mile gravel road and two helicopter pads to support Grand Portage Resources' exploration efforts.
The short version
- The Alaska Division of Mining, Land and Water approved a 25-year easement for Canadian firm Grand Portage Resources to build a 1.3-mile gravel road and two helicopter pads on state land.
- Nearly 90% of 196 public comments opposed the access road, raising concerns about noise, visual disruption, and impacts on public recreation near the Herbert Glacier trail.
- The state will authorize construction in two phases, permitting an initial 0.17-mile segment immediately, with the remaining 1.13 miles contingent on federal approval for mineral extraction.
- Appeals against the state's easement decision are open through September 7.
Key facts
- Alaska approved a 25-year non-exclusive easement on August 18 for a 1.3-mile, 15-foot-wide gravel road and two one-acre helicopter pads off Glacier Highway.[Associated Press]
- Nearly 90% of the 196 public comments received during the notice period opposed granting the easement.[Associated Press]
- Development will occur in two phases: Phase 1 allows a 0.17-mile road segment and one helicopter pad, while Phase 2 allows the remaining 1.13 miles after U.S. Forest Service approval for mineral extraction.[Associated Press]
- Grand Portage Resources estimates the full mining project could create 277 jobs and yield a pre-tax net present value near $1 billion over an initial seven-year cycle.[Associated Press]
- The approved road path lies between the Herbert Glacier and Eagle Glacier trails and does not directly cross existing recreation trails, though public vehicular traffic will be restricted by a gate for safety.[Associated Press]
- The state's decision can be appealed until September 7.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether the full New Amalga Gold Project will secure federal regulatory approval from the U.S. Forest Service to begin mineral extraction.[Associated Press]
- The ultimate severity of noise, visual, and environmental impacts on local recreation and wildlife remains disputed between local community members and state land management officials.[Associated Press]