mining

A simulated photo shows the tailings stack and other features of Hecla Greens Creek Mine under the most aggressive of four alternatives for expanding the mine in an environmental impact assessment published Thursday by the U.S Forest Service. The tailings stack is modestly to drastically smaller in the other alternatives. The public comment period for the study is from March 24 to May 8. (U.S. Forest Service)

New study digs into alternatives for Greens Creek Mine expansion

Public comment starts Friday on four options that could extend mine’s life up to 40 years

 

Guy Archibald collects clam shell specimens on Admiralty Island. Archibald was the lead author of a recently released study that linked a dramatic increase of lead levels in Hawk Inlet’s marine ecosystem and land surrounding it on Admiralty Island to tailings released from the nearby Hecla Greens Creek Mine. (Courtesy Photo / John Neary)

New study links mine to elevated lead levels in Hawk Inlet

Hecla Greens Creek Mine official ardently refutes the report’s findings.

 

A panel discussion about transboundary mining issues involving Alaska and British Columbia is hosted Tuesday by state Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, during the Juneau Mining Forum conference Tuesday at the Baranof Hotel. Participating in the discussion were Andrew Rollo, left, assistant deputy minister for Energy Mines and Low Carbon Innovation in B.C., Laurel Nash, assistant deputy minister for the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy in B.C., and Jason Brune, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Toxic mining talks linger between Alaska, Canada

Native and legislative leaders reinterate call for U.S. intervention after Canadian officials’ visit

 

In this October 2018 photo, Bjorn Dihle inspects the acid mine drainage flowing into the Tulsequah River from a containment pond filled by effluent from the Tulsequah Chief Mine in British Columbia, Canada. (Courtesy Photo / Chris Miller)

Cleanup could be coming for Tulsequah Chief mine

Environmental groups welcome end of receivership after decades of limbo.

In this October 2018 photo, Bjorn Dihle inspects the acid mine drainage flowing into the Tulsequah River from a containment pond filled by effluent from the Tulsequah Chief Mine in British Columbia, Canada. (Courtesy Photo / Chris Miller)
Flathead Lake Biological Station researchers Erin Sexton (right) and Chris Sergeant watch spawning salmon in a groundwater channel of the mine-impacted Tulsequah River in British Columbia. (Courtesy Photo / Jonathan Moore, Simon Fraser University)

New paper sheds light on mining’s impact on salmon and transboundary watersheds

Decisions can have centuries of impact, according to researchers.

Flathead Lake Biological Station researchers Erin Sexton (right) and Chris Sergeant watch spawning salmon in a groundwater channel of the mine-impacted Tulsequah River in British Columbia. (Courtesy Photo / Jonathan Moore, Simon Fraser University)
Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire Volunteers reset a gravel pile during the men’s hand mucking event of Juneau Gold Rush Days in Savikko Park on Saturday.

Sun and fun greet return of Gold Rush Days

Good weather and good turnouts welcomed the first day of the event.

Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire Volunteers reset a gravel pile during the men’s hand mucking event of Juneau Gold Rush Days in Savikko Park on Saturday.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here at a Aug. 16, news conference, announced Thursday he was filing suit against the Biden administration for an Environmental Protection Agency decision to potentially protect Bristol Bay waters under the Clean Water Act. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

Gov criticizes Biden admin over Bristol Bay review

Ready for litigation.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here at a Aug. 16, news conference, announced Thursday he was filing suit against the Biden administration for an Environmental Protection Agency decision to potentially protect Bristol Bay waters under the Clean Water Act. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File Coeur Alaska will likely be able to expand their facilities at the Kensington Gold Mine including the Tailing Treatment Facility, seen here in this October 2019 photo, after the U.S. Forest Service announced it intends to approve the company’s proposal to extend the mine’s life by 10 years. Operations were expected to end in 2023 under a plan approved in 2005.

Forest Service set to approve Kensington expansion

Objections period is open.

Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File Coeur Alaska will likely be able to expand their facilities at the Kensington Gold Mine including the Tailing Treatment Facility, seen here in this October 2019 photo, after the U.S. Forest Service announced it intends to approve the company’s proposal to extend the mine’s life by 10 years. Operations were expected to end in 2023 under a plan approved in 2005.
The Tailings Treatment Facility at Kensington Gold Mine, seen here on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019, will need to be expanded in order for the mine to operate for another 10 years. Environmentalists are concerned about pollutants from the mine contaminating local waters. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Kensington public comment period extended

Another 10 years?

The Tailings Treatment Facility at Kensington Gold Mine, seen here on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019, will need to be expanded in order for the mine to operate for another 10 years. Environmentalists are concerned about pollutants from the mine contaminating local waters. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
In this October 2018 photo, Bjorn Dihle inspects the acid mine drainage flowing into the Tulsequah River from a containment pond filled by effluent from the Tulsequah Chief Mine in British Columbia, Canada. (Courtesy Photo | Chris Miller)

Tulsequah Chief Mine moves closer to clean up

60 years of effort.

In this October 2018 photo, Bjorn Dihle inspects the acid mine drainage flowing into the Tulsequah River from a containment pond filled by effluent from the Tulsequah Chief Mine in British Columbia, Canada. (Courtesy Photo | Chris Miller)
The Tailings Treatment Facility and Upper Slate Lake at the Kensington Mine on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019. The mine's owner Coeur Alaska wants to expand the life of Kengsington by at least 10 years which will require expansion of the lake which is a concern to environmentalists. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Coeur is committed to environment in expansion, mine manager says

Public comment ends Dec. 14.

The Tailings Treatment Facility and Upper Slate Lake at the Kensington Mine on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019. The mine's owner Coeur Alaska wants to expand the life of Kengsington by at least 10 years which will require expansion of the lake which is a concern to environmentalists. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
This Toxics Release Inventory map included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual TRI analysis shows facilities throughout the state that reported the release of toxic chemicals to the EPA. Releases include permitted releases and movement of waste rock. (Courtesy Photo | Environmental Protection Agency)

Opinion: Red Dog has strong environmental track record

Every year the EPA issues its annual Toxic Release (TRI) Inventory, and every year it creates confusion and misinformation regarding the Red Dog zinc mine… Continue reading

This Toxics Release Inventory map included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual TRI analysis shows facilities throughout the state that reported the release of toxic chemicals to the EPA. Releases include permitted releases and movement of waste rock. (Courtesy Photo | Environmental Protection Agency)
EPA: Alaska led nation in toxic chemical release

EPA: Alaska led nation in toxic chemical release

Mining is a big reason why.

EPA: Alaska led nation in toxic chemical release
Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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Pebble Mine opposition: Wrong mine for the wrong place

Public comment period ends in days.

Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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Live: Rally to stop Pebble Mine permitting happening outside Sen. Murkowski’s office
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Live: Rally to stop Pebble Mine permitting happening outside Sen. Murkowski’s office

Live coverage of the Juneau “No Pebble Mine” rally.

Live: Rally to stop Pebble Mine permitting happening outside Sen. Murkowski’s office
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Competition trains rescuers for dire mining circumstances

Competition trains rescuers for dire mining circumstances

Two Hecla teams did well.

Competition trains rescuers for dire mining circumstances
Exploration continues for mine near Haines

Exploration continues for mine near Haines

It’s still years away from becoming operational.

Exploration continues for mine near Haines
8 senators send letter urging more transboundary water quality oversight from British Columbia

8 senators send letter urging more transboundary water quality oversight from British Columbia

Mining impact on shared waters prompts action.

8 senators send letter urging more transboundary water quality oversight from British Columbia
British Columbia mining standards put Alaskans at risk, experts say

British Columbia mining standards put Alaskans at risk, experts say

Lawmakers hope the governor will be an advocate.

British Columbia mining standards put Alaskans at risk, experts say
Scientists: Pebble Mine study doesn’t account for all risks

Scientists: Pebble Mine study doesn’t account for all risks

Group says Army Corps study does not pass as credible science.

Scientists: Pebble Mine study doesn’t account for all risks