Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd (NAK)

[alidare]

2018 land permit issued

DNR also reported that it has issued the Pebble Limited Partnership a permit to carry out its activities during the 2018 field season on its mining claims in the Bristol Bay region.

DNR pointed out that while the Pebble Partnership has initiated the environmental review process for developing a mine at Pebble on the federal level, it has not applied for the state permits necessary for mine development. The land-use permit issued by the state only authorizes exploration and reclamation-related activities.

"By issuing this permit, we authorize the Pebble Limited Partnership to do necessary work on its claims and ensure that state lands receive good stewardship," Mack said.

Last April, DNR announced significant new requirements to land-use permits issued to Pebble for work on its state claims in the Bristol Bay region of Southwest Alaska.

The regulatory agency said the more stringent requirements followed the review of more than 2,000 public comments and an exhaustive analysis.

During the comment period on Pebble's application for the permit, questions arose on the condition of certain drill holes and whether hundreds of these holes drilled during active exploration would be properly reclaimed. After reviewing these concerns, DNR decided to include a financial assurances requirement of US$2 million to the permit it issued.

While financial assurance typically is not required for mineral exploration projects in Alaska, more than 1,300 holes have been drilled at Pebble and additional work is anticipated as the project moves towards permitting and development.

DNR said the Pebble Partnership complied with the stipulations of the 2017 land-use permit and closed 142 boreholes last year.

The state natural resource agency said it plans multiple inspections during the 2018 field season to monitor both the drilling of new boreholes and continued reclamation activity.

"The Department of Natural Resources' issuance of a one-year exploration permit maintains robust oversight of the Pebble Limited Partnership as the company conducts reclamation, monitoring, and exploration activities," Gov. Walker said.