"Orutsararmiut Native Council"

The mine, which is on the cusp of being constructed after two decades of exploration and planning work, would be one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world.

Six tribes opposed the water rights permits, saying that removing that much water from the area could hurt the region’s water supply and ecosystem.

The most recent appeal comes a month after state environmental conservation commissioner Jason Brune upheld the certificate.

Lumber prices have been soaring across the country as demand for wood during the pandemic outstripped supply.

The decision comes after an administrative law judge recommended that the DEC should not uphold the certificate in April.

On Monday, an administrative law judge issued a recommendation that the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation rescinds a state water quality certificate that was issued to the Donlin Gold mine in 2018. The certificate is required under the Clean Water Act. Here’s what rescinding the certificate could mean for the proposed mine, and how the parties…

The Orutsararmiut Native Council challenged that certificate, contending that the state cannot have “reasonable assurance” that the mine won’t violate the water standards.

While the CARES Act was big, with an $8 billion fund for tribal governments nationwide, the American Rescue Plan has $20 billion for tribes.

The state granted Donlin Gold 12 water right permits after giving the public 15 days to comment. Some Y-K Delta residents claim that wasn’t enough time, especially with villages locked down to fight the pandemic.

A few days after Calista sent its letter to the school board, the district erased all mention of the proposed Donlin Gold mine.