APMA F20269953 - A Placer Mining Permit Application within the Chandalar Mining District, Crystal Creek

What is this notice about?

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has received an application from Goldrich Mining Company to do mechanical placer mining on Crystal Creek in the Chandalar Mining District, near Coldfoot. The department is reviewing a Plan of Operations and a reclamation plan for the work on state land, which could run through December 31, 2030. The public can send written comments until 5:00 PM on October 13, 2026.

Why was this notice issued?

Goldrich Mining Company submitted a Multi-Agency Application for Permits to Mine in Alaska (APMA). The department must review and decide on the Plan of Operations application under state rule 11 AAC 86.800, and it is asking for public input before making a decision.

What action is being taken?

The Division of Mining, Land and Water is reviewing and deciding on a Plan of Operations approval and a reclamation (land restoration) plan approval for mechanical placer mining on state lands. It may also authorize cross-country travel on state lands outside the mining claims. After review, it may issue an authorization with conditions, and the activity may be changed during review. Other state land use outside the mining claims, if any, will be decided separately.

Who is involved: Goldrich Mining Company (applicant), Little Squaw Creek Project

How can the public respond?

Respond by Tue, Oct 13, 2026 This deadline has passed.

“October 13th, 2026 @ 5:00 PM AST”

Ways to respond

Mail Division of Mining, Land and Water, Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office, 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
Email dnr.apma.comments@alaska.gov
Fax (907) 451-2703

What to include

Comments must be in writing and received on or before 5:00 PM on October 13, 2026. Refer to APMA F20269953 (Little Squaw Creek Project). Questions or requests to view the full application packet go to Michael LaDouceur. People with disabilities who need help to comment can contact Alaska Relay at 711 or 800-770-8973 for TTY services.

Contact

Michael LaDouceur
Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water, Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office
dnr.apma.comments@alaska.gov
(907) 451-2784
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

Will there be public meetings?

The notice does not announce any public meeting or hearing.

Key dates

Sep 29, 2026: Notice published
Oct 13, 2026: Deadline for written comments (5:00 PM AST)
Dec 31, 2030: Proposed end date of mining activity, unless extended under 11 AAC 86.800(d)

Original notice text

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AND REQUEST FOR INFORMATION APMA (F20269953) The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has received a Multi-Agency Application for Permits to Mine in Alaska (APMA) for Mechanical Placer Mining in the Chandalar Mining District, near the community of Coldfoot. APMA forms include applications for Miscellaneous Land Use Permits (MLUPs), Approved Plan of Operations, and Reclamation Plan Approvals for mining operation. This notice is pertaining to the Department’s review and adjudication of a Plan of Operation Approval application pursuant to 11 AAC 86.800 for Mechanical Placer Mining as well as reclamation approval on state lands. Cross country travel on state lands not within state mining locations may also be authorized. Other state land use outside of the mining locations, if any, will be adjudicated by DNR separately. APPLICANT(s): Goldrich Mining Company PROJECT NAME: Little Squaw Creek Project GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Crystal Creek LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Sections 22, 23, 26, 27, 34, 35, Township 032N, Range 003W, Fairbanks Meridian REQUESTED ACTIVITY: Mechanical Placer Mining PROPOSED DATES OF USE: Start: Date of Authorization Issuance End: December 31, 2030 *Unless extended pursuant to 11 AAC 86.800(d) DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: October 13th, 2026 @ 5:00 PM AST This is a notice provided to the public and you are invited to comment on this activity. The purpose of this notice is to gather input before a decision is made on this activity. To ensure consideration, written comments must be received by the Division of Mining, Land and Water at the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office, 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 on or before 5:00 PM on the date noted above. Written comments, questions concerning this activity or requests to view the full application packet should be directed to Michael LaDouceur, Telephone (907) 451-2784; Fax: (907) 451-2703 or e-mail: dnr.apma.comments@alaska.gov. After review and adjudication, we may issue an authorization with stipulations for the activity. The activity may be modified during the review and adjudication process. Mining fact sheet that includes the other state and federal agencies that receive and adjudicate this application the permits the applicant may require can be found here: https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/cdn/pdf/factsheets/mining-permits-through-apma.pdf A more detailed discussion of the agencies that receive the application can be found in the APMA application packet: https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/forms/apma/2025/ DNR-DMLW complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services or special modifications to comment should contact Alaska Relay at 711 or 800-770-8973 for TTY services. The DMLW reserves the right to waive technical defects in this notice

This summary was written by an AI model (Claude) from the official notice text. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm deadlines and instructions in the official notice. Legal disclaimer.