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Environmental Concerns Are Cited in Opposition to Mining Projects Like ‘Rivers of Gold’

Solomon River, Nome

Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC), Kawerak Inc., and Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) released a joint statement opposing large placer mining in Safety Sound, the Bonanza Channel, and Golovnin Lagoon. ADEC is waiting on more information and data from the mining company, and until that is received, Rivers of Gold is not allowed to operate or discharge in U.S. waters.

‘Rivers of Gold’ Proposes Offshore Gold Mining Project for Solomon Area; Permit Process in Early Stages

Solomon River, Nome

Rivers of Gold has submitted its permit application to the Department of Natural Resources, seeking to mine specifically in the Solomon area. Both the Northern Norton Sound Fish & Game Advisory Committee and Kawerak have sent letters to DNR opposing this mining project. Given the nature of the proposed mining project, Rivers of Gold will also be required to file a permit application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Alaska Delegation to Zinke: Exclude Bering Strait from OCS Proposal

The coast near Wales, Alaska

Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and Congressman Young say they support oil and gas leases in both the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. However, their letter asks Interior Secretary Zinke to remove 11 regions of offshore Alaska from the draft OCS proposal, including Bering Strait waters previously requested for protection by Kawerak.