Usibelli Coal Mine Request for Renewal of the Gold Run Pass Permits (Permit Numbers 02-83-796 and S-0602-A)

What is this notice about?

Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. has asked the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to renew its permits for the Gold Run Pass Mine, a 519-acre coal mine on state land about twelve miles northwest of Healy, for another five years. The company is not asking to expand the mine or change how it operates or restores the land. The state has issued a preliminary finding and is taking written comments until 5:00 PM on November 30, 2026.

Why was this notice issued?

Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. applied to renew its Gold Run Pass Mine Surface Coal Mining Permits (Numbers 02-83-796 and S-0602-A). The renewal is reviewed under 11 AAC 90.129, the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act (AS 27.21), and Alaska Administrative Code Title 11, Chapter 90 (Surface Coal Mining).

What action is being taken?

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section (DMLW-Mining) found that the renewal application contains all required information and has issued a preliminary finding of fact. It is now reviewing whether the application meets the technical requirements of the law. The renewal would be for an additional five-year term covering the same permit areas, with no new mining areas, boundary changes, or changes to the operation or reclamation (land restoration) plan.

Who is involved: Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743

How can the public respond?

Respond by Mon, Nov 30, 2026 22 days from today.

“5:00 PM on November 30, 2026”

Ways to respond

Mail DMLW-Mining, 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501
Fax (907) 269-8930
Email coalprogram@alaska.gov (subject: "2026 Gold Run Pass Mine Renewal")

What to include

Comments must be written. A person who is or may be adversely affected by the issuance of this permit may file written comments or objections, and may include with an objection a request for an informal conference (AS 27.21.140). Email comments should use the subject "2026 Gold Run Pass Mine Renewal". The application, preliminary decision, and supporting documents are attached to the notice and can also be reviewed at the DMLW-Mining office at 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501.

Contact

Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section (DMLW-Mining)
coalprogram@alaska.gov
550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501

Will there be public meetings?

The notice does not announce any public meeting or hearing.

Key dates

Oct 8, 2026: Notice published
Nov 30, 2026: Deadline for written comments and objections (5:00 PM)

Original notice text

NOTICE OF PRELIMINARY FINDING OF FACT, SURFACE COAL MINING PERMIT RENEWAL The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section (DMLW-Mining) has received an application for the renewal of the Gold Run Pass Mine Surface Coal Mining Permit Numbers 02-83-796 and S-0602-A from Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743). This notice is pertaining to the DMLW-Mining’s review and adjudication of a request to renew a Surface Coal Mining Permit under 11 AAC 90.129. These activities are subject to AS 27.21 (Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act) and Alaska Administrative Code, Title 11 (Natural Resources) Chapter 90 (Surface Coal Mining). The Department has found that the renewal application contains all the information required under 11 AAC 90.021 – 11 AAC 90.101. APPLICANT(S): Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM) PROJECT NAME: Gold Run Pass Mine GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Hoseanna (Lignite) Creek LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Township 11 South, Range 6 West, Sections 34-35 Fairbanks Meridian. The Gold Run Pass Mine permit consists of a 519-acre mine site and is on State Land approximately twelve miles northwest of Healy, Alaska. REQUESTED ACTIVITIES: This renewal request is for an additional five-year term and includes the permit areas previously approved in the existing permits. No additional mining areas or revisions to the existing boundaries are proposed. No changes or modifications to the operation or reclamation plan are being proposed. The application is currently being reviewed to determine if it meets the technical requirements of the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Copies of the application and preliminary decision are attached below. These documents as well as other supporting documents are also available for review at the DMLW-Mining’s offices located at 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501. DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: 5:00 PM on November 30, 2026 A person who is or may be adversely affected by the issuance of this permit may file written comments or objections and may include with an objection a request for an informal conference (AS 27.21.140). Comments regarding this application should be sent to the address listed above, by fax to (907) 269-8930, or by e-mail to coalprogram@alaska.gov with the subject “2026 Gold Run Pass Mine Renewal”.

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.