A public comment period regarding Panther’s Minerals Application for Permit to Mine (APMA) has concluded. Comments obtained by KNOM Radio reveal an overwhelming number of respondents in opposition to the permit application.
The project seeks to further explore a region known to contain uranium deposits about 30 miles north of Elim. The village has strongly opposed the Canadian mining company’s efforts, including adopting a resolution signed by leaders of their tri-entities.
Now, the public comment period has given residents and the region an opportunity to weigh in on the record.
Many of the comments cite potential environmental and health risks caused by uranium mining.
“No mining for uranium! I don’t want my children and their children to be affected by it! We lean on subsistence foods for the long winter months! Uranium mining will harm the animals we survive on. Go find somewhere else to do your dirty work!” one respondent wrote.
An identical message, apparently copied and pasted by 96 commenters, pointed towards the impact of exploration activities on the Tubutulik River. Panther Mineral’s proposed exploration activities would take place at the headwaters of the river. The waterway that runs south towards Elim is home to several species of salmon the village depends on for subsistence.
The message noted that “the community of Elim depends on salmon to sustain its cultural, traditional, and economic well-being and way of life.
The message also expressed the belief that mining activities could introduce dangerous levels of uranium contamination, threatening both the environment and human health.
“Uranium contamination can cause cancer, genetic damage, disrupt hormone levels, and reduce blood cell counts, and symptoms of diseases may not appear until decades later,” the message read.
This sentiment was echoed by many others who fear the long-term health implications for the community if the project proceeds.
One comment was submitted in support of Panther Mineral’s exploration program. The commenter suggested that for exploration work, the mining company is operating within the legal guidelines.
“Panther Minerals has filed and completed all necessary due diligence to execute EXPLORATION work on the State and Federal mining Claims they have a LEGAL right to!” the commenter wrote.
Panther Minerals recently diversified their uranium portfolio by acquiring the Huber Heights property in Elko County, Nevada. Their stock, PURR on the Canadian Stock Exchange, surged over 120% after their acquisition of the Boulder Creek property was announced in late April. Since a high of $0.65 per share was reached on July 8, the price has halved to $0.26 per share.
The permit application is currently under review by the Alaska Department of Natural Resource’s Mining Division. If approved, the company may begin surface exploration, exploration drilling, and use of an existing airstrip near Admiralty Creek.
