The U.S. Forest Service’s public comment period for the draft supplemental environmental impact statement for the Greens Creek Mine North Expansion Project reaches its deadline next week.
The comment period, which began on March 24, is an opportunity for interested individuals and organizations to voice their opinions on the proposed expansion. The deadline for submitting comments is May 23 at 11:59 p.m. Alaska time.
The Greens Creek Mine, operational since 1989, is planning to expand its current tailings operations and extend production beyond 2031.
Situated on both private and public lands, including a portion of the Admiralty Island National Monument, the mine is near Hawk Inlet, about 18 miles southwest of Juneau, and is the largest private-sector employer in Juneau. The mine supports approximately 494 jobs and contributes $76 million in total annual wages to the local economy. Access to the mine, which is operated by Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company, is by sea and a 13-mile access road.
The Greens Creek Mine is an underground cut-and-fill and long-hole stoping operation that uses flotation and gravity processes to recover silver, gold, lead, and zinc. Power is supplied by local hydroelectric-powered utility with diesel generators as a backup.
The mine operates 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2020, Greens Creek produced approximately 10.5 million ounces of silver, 48,491 ounces of gold, 56,813 tons of zinc, and 21,400 tons of lead.
Over the years, the Forest Service has conducted four National Environmental Policy Act reviews for the existing Greens Creek Mine facilities. This supplemental environmental impact statement serves as a further evaluation of the proposed expansion project, assessing its potential environmental consequences and ensuring compliance with regulations.
The economic significance of the Greens Creek Mine is profound for the region. Each year, the mine purchases goods and services worth approximately $65 million from more than 350 businesses across Alaska. It holds the highest taxable assessed property value in Juneau and contributes $2.5 million annually in property and sales taxes.
The Alaska Resource Development Council is encouraging people to voice their support for “Alternative D: B Road West Relocation 2” to the U.S. Forest Service. By doing so, they can help facilitate responsible mining operations and secure critical jobs.
For further information about the Greens Creek Mine and the proposed expansion project, check out this link. Detailed project documents, including the DSEIS, can be found on the U.S. Forest Service public project page.
Ways to comment:
- Online: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=57306
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax:. (907) 586-8808
- Mail: Juneau Ranger District (“Attention: North Extension Project”), 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK, 9980
Read the RDC’s full action alert with points the group wants people to consider making.
