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Alaska's Pristine Park Faces Mining Threat
21 Nov
Summary
- A private mining prospect is surrounded by Lake Clark National Park.
- Indigenous owners stand to profit from potential gold, copper, zinc deposits.
- Conservationists fear harm to wildlife, including endangered beluga whales.
The Johnson Tract, a private parcel within Alaska's vast Lake Clark National Park, holds billions in gold, copper, and zinc deposits. The land's Indigenous owners, Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), are leasing it to a mining company, Contango Ore, Inc., eager to tap into these resources amidst surging metal prices. This prospect, located 125 miles southwest of Anchorage, presents a potential economic boon for CIRI's shareholders.
However, the development faces significant opposition. Conservationists, commercial fishermen, and local lodge owners are raising alarms about the potential environmental impact. They worry that a mine, encircled by the federal protected area, could disrupt critical wildlife habitats and endanger an already threatened population of beluga whales. The plan involves trucking ore through the park to a potential shipping terminal, a proposal that has led to lawsuits against federal regulators.
This conflict highlights a deeper tension in Alaska between economic development and environmental preservation. CIRI asserts its right to profit from lands intended for development under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, while opponents argue that mining threatens a pristine wilderness. The outcome will shape the future of this ecologically rich area, balancing resource extraction with the protection of its unique natural resources and wildlife.
