What is this notice about?
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has made a final decision approving Usibelli Coal Mine's request to renew its permit for the Two Bull Ridge Mine, about five miles northeast of Healy. The renewal is for another five years and makes no changes to the mine's boundaries, operations or cleanup (reclamation) plan. The company, or anyone whose interests are or may be harmed by this decision, can ask in writing for a hearing by November 16, 2026.
Why was this notice issued?
Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. applied to renew its Surface Coal Mining Permit Number S-0603 for the Two Bull Ridge Mine under 11 AAC 90.129 (Alaska Administrative Code). The review falls under AS 27.21, the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act, and 11 AAC 90 (Surface Coal Mining). This notice announces the department's final findings of fact and decision.
What action is being taken?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section (DMLW-Mining) issued a final finding and decision approving the renewal of the Two Bull Ridge Mine permit for an additional five-year term. The 2,522-acre permit area near Hoseanna (Lignite) Creek stays the same, with no new mining areas, boundary changes, or changes to the operation or reclamation plan. Legal description: Township 11 South, Range 7 West, Sections 26-28 and 32-35, Fairbanks Meridian; and Township 12 South, Range 7 West, Sections 3-5, Fairbanks Meridian.
Who is involved: Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743
How can the public respond?
Respond by Mon, Nov 16, 2026 8 days from today.
“Any request for a hearing must be received within 30 calendar days after the date of publication of this decision or by November 16, 2026.”
Ways to respond
- Mail or in person Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1400, Anchorage, AK 99501
- Fax 907.269.8918
- Email dnr.appeals@alaska.gov
What to include
Only the applicant, or a person with an interest that is or may be adversely affected by this decision, may request a hearing. The request must be in writing and is made under AS 27.21.150 to review the reasons for the decision. It must be received by the deadline. Copies of the application, findings and supporting documents are attached to the online notice and can be reviewed at DMLW-Mining's offices, 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501. People with disabilities who need help to take part can contact DNR's Public Information Center in Anchorage, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at 269-8400 or TDD 269-8411.
Contact
Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section (DMLW-Mining)
269-8400 (Public Information Center); TDD 269-8411
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 15, 2026: Final finding and decision approving the permit renewal published
- Nov 16, 2026: Deadline for written hearing requests to be received
Original notice text
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.