An Army Corps of Engineers environmental review of the proposed Donlin Gold mine is underway. An opportunity for public comment runs through April 30, though residents have asked for that to be extended. More information, including the entire draft environmental impact statement, a schedule of public meetings, and opportunities for comment, is at donlingoldeis.com.
Here are project highlights:
What: Proposed open pit gold mine
Where: 10 miles from the Kuskokwim River village of Crooked Creek, 150 miles northeast of Bethel and 280 miles west of Anchorage
Mine owner: Canadian companies Barrick Gold Corp., the world's largest mining operator, and new player NovaGold Resources Inc.
Cost: $6.7 billion to build the mine including $1 billion natural gas pipeline
Workforce: 3,000 during construction and 800 to 1,400 during operation