Mining

As glaciers melt, salmon and mining companies are vying for the new territory

Max Graham

The disappearance of glaciers is not only leading to the creation of new fish habitat, but it's also creating opportunities for the multibillion-dollar mining industry.

The Norton Sound community of Unalakleet, which lies adjacent to millions of acres of "D-1" lands, is seen in 2010.

Politics

Federal government finalizes decision to maintain protections for 28M acres of D-1 lands

Evan Erickson

"Tribal consultation must be treated as a requirement – not an option – when the federal government is making decisions that could irrevocably affect tribal communities," Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland said in a statement on Aug. 27.

Justin Andrew and Gregory Larson work examining and classifying core samples at the Donlin Mine on Aug. 11, 2022. The hill outside the building holds the gold deposit that would be mined if Donlin goes into production. The mine is controversial, and opponents have filed legal challenges to key state permits and authorizations for the project.

Science and Environment

Federal case challenging Donlin mine’s environmental impact statement heads to court

Sage Smiley

Six tribes from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta continue to fight against federal environmental reviews and permitting for the proposed Donlin Gold mine project. The case is set to be argued in federal court in Anchorage on Monday, June 24.