APMA F20239783 AMD1 - A Placer Mining Permit Amendment Application within the Fairbanks Mining District, Fairbanks Creek

What is this notice about?

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has received a request from Steven Gavora to change (amend) his permit for the Estrella Mine, a mechanical placer mine on Fairbanks Creek near Fox. The change would allow him to build a pond that traps water so it can be pumped out for mining use. The public can send written comments until October 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM AST.

Why was this notice issued?

DNR received an amendment to a Multi-Agency Application for Permits to Mine in Alaska (APMA), number F20239783. Under AS 38.05.850 and 11 AAC 96.010, DNR reviews Miscellaneous Land Use Permit (MLUP) amendments for mechanical placer mining and reclamation on state lands, and it is asking for public input before it decides.

What action is being taken?

DNR's Division of Mining, Land and Water (DMLW) is reviewing and deciding on a Miscellaneous Land Use Permit amendment and reclamation approval for mechanical placer mining on state land. The amendment would allow a water entrapment pond for water withdrawal. Cross-country travel on state lands outside the state mining locations may also be allowed. If approved, use would run from the date the authorization is issued through December 31, 2027. DNR may issue the authorization with conditions (stipulations), and the activity may be changed during the review. Any other state land use outside the mining locations will be reviewed separately.

Who is involved: Applicant: Steven Gavora (Estrella Mine). Location: Fairbanks Creek, Section 28, T003N R003E, Fairbanks Meridian, Fairbanks Mining District, near Fox.

How can the public respond?

Respond by Wed, Oct 21, 2026 This deadline has passed.

“October 21, 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
Phone (907) 451-2784 (questions or requests to view the full application packet)

What to include

Comments must be written and must be received on or before 5:00 PM on October 21, 2026 to be considered. Mention APMA F20239783 Amendment #1 (Estrella Mine). You can also ask to view the full application packet. People with disabilities who need help, services or special changes in order to comment should 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

Oct 7, 2026: Notice published
Oct 21, 2026: Written comments due by 5:00 PM AST
Dec 31, 2027: Proposed end date of the permitted activity

Original notice text

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AND REQUEST FOR INFORMATION APMA F20239783 AMENDMENT #1 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 Fairbanks Mining District, near the community of Fox. 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 Miscellaneous Land Use Permit Amendment application pursuant to AS 38.05.850 & 11 AAC 96.010 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): Steven Gavora PROJECT NAME: Estrella Mine GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Fairbanks Creek LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Section 28, T003N R003E, Fairbanks Meridian REQUESTED ACTIVITY: Create a water entrapment pond for water withdrawal PROPOSED DATES OF USE: Start: Date of Authorization Issuance End: December 31, 2027 DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: October 21, 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.