Alaska’s Division of Mining, Land and Water has approved the initial phase of a mining access road requested by Canadian company Grand Portage Resources Ltd. The decision came after a public comment period in which approximately 90% of the 196 submitted remarks opposed the road’s construction.
The approved easement authorizes a 15-foot-wide gravel road spanning approximately 1.3 miles between Herbert Glacier and Eagle Glacier trail, along with two one-acre helicopter pads on state land near Glacier Highway. The road does not directly intersect existing recreation trails. The state stated that while the road and staging areas will alter the recreational experience in the area, the wild and scenic character will not be irreversibly damaged, and public access will remain unrestricted since the easement is non-exclusive.
Opponents raised concerns about noise, visual impacts, and safety hazards from construction and helicopter operations. Some commenters argued that profits would benefit a foreign private corporation rather than the public, and that public lands should not subsidize industrial expansion. The state responded that its adjudication process does not distinguish applicants based on nationality or corporate structure, and emphasized its multiple-use mandate requiring balance among environmental, recreational, economic, and access considerations.
Proponents, including local business owners, highlighted economic benefits including the creation of 277 expected jobs and approximately $1 billion in pre-tax net present value over a seven-year production cycle. The state noted that construction would use local contractors and generate revenue through entry authorization fees, annual use fees, and potential future tax revenues if the mining project is approved. A company representative stated the road would reduce helicopter shuttle distances by approximately 60%, thereby decreasing noise impacts on residential areas.
The approval implements a phased approach, with the first phase authorizing only the 0.17-mile segment closest to Glacier Highway and the first staging area. Full development of the remaining road segment depends on Grand Portage receiving Forest Service approval for mineral extraction. The easement was approved Aug. 18 for a 25-year term, and the road will provide access to the unapproved New Amalga Gold Project on U.S. Forest Service land near Herbert Glacier.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI