www.AlaskaAlliance.com 29 OIL & GAS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES | MINING CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE | POWERPLANT CONSTRUCTION | PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION | REMOTE VILLAGE INFRASTRUCTURE TELECOMMUNICATIONS | DESIGN BUILD & EPC | GENERAL CONTRACTING & MANAGEMENT | PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT & STAFFING Commitment to Safety & Quality | Anchorage · Kenai · Deadhorse | www.conamco.com | 907-278-6600 BUILDING ALASKA ONE OUNCE AT A TIME CONAM’s track record of successful projects has proven that resource development can be done responsibly while protecting Alaska’s fragile environment. Our firm understanding of Alaska’s unique challenges and commitment to HSSE and planning have translated into satisfied mining clients across the state. We get dirty so you get the pay dirt. agreed-upon payments from Teck — regional elected officials have already been considering sharp cuts to government services. But Teck has long been examining its options to expand exploration into nearby state-owned land. The new permit allows the company to build about 10 miles of roads needed to access two zinc deposits, Aktigiruq and Anarraaq, that if developed could help sustain mining operations. Teck now has construction of the road underway. “We’re breathing a sigh of relief that the permit finally got approved,” said Dickie Moto, the borough mayor. “It means a lot for the borough and our residents.” The Army Corps permit covers the disturbance of nearly 20 acres of wetlands, and the construction of other infrastructure, like bridges and culverts, to support Teck’s exploration work. The company previously used small rigs flown in by helicopter, to drill test holes at Aktigiruq and Anarraaq. Now it plans to do more substantial exploration, including through an underground portal, which requires the road to bring ib heavy equipment. Teck anticipates that it will need at least six more years of exploratory drilling to determine if the two deposits can be mined economically. The company initially submitted a permit application in 2018 — then withdrew it a year later because it was missing necessary information related to historic preservation, according to John Budnik, an agency spokesperson. Teck resubmitted an application in 2022. — Max Graham, Northern Journal
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