Mining News: Readying Pebble for permitting

Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. Aug. 11 reported that it is working toward the finalization of the design concept and necessary documentation to initiate permitting for its Pebble Mine project in Southwest Alaska. This work includes a field program to collect additional environmental baseline data for proposed infrastructure such as access routes, port and ferry landing sites with the objective of characterizing the existing conditions for engineering design and permitting purposes. Wetland mapping of the proposed mine site and the project’s supporting infrastructure areas will also be conducted. At the same time, the engineering team is focused on investigating a number of project alternatives in order to finalize the permit application package for Pebble. The engineering work includes the consideration of smaller mine concepts, including site layouts and waste management facilities; alternate ore treatment options; transportation corridor to the south of Lake Iliamna, including road and ferry options; facilities associated with the new transportation corridor; a port facility on Cook Inlet, southeast of Lake Iliamna; water treatment plants; and a gas-fired power plant and associated gas line. This engineering work, along with the supporting field program, is targeting the preparation and submission of a complete permitting package under the federal National Environmental Policy Act. Alongside its engineering and field work, the Pebble Partnership, owned by Northern Dynasty, is carrying out stakeholder engagement activities in Alaska to advance and strengthen relationships with Alaska Native partners and broader stakeholder groups, as well as people in political and regulatory offices in Juneau and Washington D.C. “Through our numerous stakeholder initiatives, the company seeks to create a science-based project design more responsive to stakeholder concerns that bring benefits to local residents, businesses and Alaska Native village corporations, and energizes the economy of Southwest Alaska,” Northern Dynasty penned in its second quarter financial report. Over the past 16 years, roughly US$762 million has been invested in the geological, environmental, engineering and other work needed to prepare the world-class Pebble mine project for permitting. Northern Dynasty’s near-term goals are to secure a project partner(s) with the financial resources to contribute to permitting, building and operating a world-class mine at Pebble; and initiate federal and state permitting in 2017.

–SHANE LASLEY