The Red Dog Mine in northwest Alaska is set to run out of ore in just eight years. But Teck Resources Limited, the Canadian company that operates the mine, wants to explore nearby deposits that could extend the mine’s life for decades.
Last week, the Army Corps of Engineers approved key permits that Teck needs to begin building an exploration road to the deposits, which would cross 20 acres of wetlands.
“This permit approval allows us to start construction of the nine-mile access road, which is needed to evaluate the technical and economic visibility of deposits that could potentially extend Red Dog’s mine life beyond 2031,” said Red Dog’s manager of community and public relations, Wayne Hall.
He said the company was thrilled to be moving forward.
The mine is one of the world’s largest producers of lead and zinc, and a major economic engine for the region. It contributes millions in revenue to the Northwest Arctic Borough, NANA Regional Corporation and its shareholders, and to other Alaska Native Corporations through a provision of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
In an emailed statement, representatives from NANA said the permit approval was an important milestone, but that it could take six years to determine the viability of the deposits.
Construction on the road could begin in the next few weeks and will take two years to complete, said representatives from Teck. Construction on the road is limited to the winter months.
