BLM Invites Public Comment on Constantine Metal Resources Ltd.'s New Mining Plan of Operations for Continued Exploration in Haines, Alaska
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
GLENNALLEN, Alaska — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Glennallen Field Office today announced that it has opened a public review and comment period to inform the BLM analysis for Constantine Metal Resources Ltd.’s (Constantine) proposed plan of operations to extend exploration and access to federal mining claims located near Haines, Alaska.
Constantine’s proposed exploration is adjacent to ongoing exploratory activity in the Palmer Project, which is within the Porcupine Mining District. The BLM previously authorized Constantine exploratory activity on their federal claims with up to 5 acres of ground disturbance. In June of 2015, Constantine submitted a new mine plan of operations that would extend their existing access road. The new proposal requires further public, stakeholder, and agency review, including a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis.
The BLM encourages the public to review and comment on Constantine’s new proposed plan. “Public input specific to the proposal helps the BLM determine what issues should be considered and carried forward in an environmental analysis,” explains Dennis Teitzel, Field Manager for the BLM Glennallen Field Office.
The plan proposes up to 2.5 miles of additional road construction and includes the installation of culverts and bridges over gullies and streams in the vicinity of Glacier Creek. It also includes a switchback road with rock fall berms and an area at the terminus of the switchback road to stage equipment and facilities such as temporary work trailers, storage containers, and a portable toilet facility. The proposed road would provide access for up to 40 new exploration drill sites. These drill sites are all planned to occur east of their current mineral exploration areas and would provide a staging area for helicopter and ground-supported exploration activities. Constantine plans to continue in the exploration phase of their project for the next 5 – 10 years.
The public comment period on Constantine’s proposed plan begins, Wednesday, December 2, 2015 and ends Friday, January 8, 2016. To review the Proposed Plan of Operations and submit comments, please visit the BLM’s National NEPA register. Using an “Advanced Search,” enter this NEPA number: DOI-BLM-AK-A020-2016-0006-EA. Comments may also be submitted to the BLM Glennallen Field Office, Attn: Constantine, P.O. Box 147, Glennallen, AK 99588.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.