Donlin Gold welcomes reopening public comment on Water Rights Permit

Donlin Gold welcomes the recent decision by the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) to add a second public comment period for the project’s water rights applications.

The first public comment period took place in December 2020. Donlin Gold’s Community Relations team supported the initial public comment period by reaching out to Tribes in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) region to inform them about the opportunity to provide their input.

Donlin Gold subsequently hosted two public presentations via teleconference with stakeholders in the Middle Kuskokwim region, including in Crooked Creek. To facilitate these meetings, Donlin Gold worked with The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) to use their teleconference line. Additionally, Donlin Gold offered the same opportunity to Lower Kuskokwim Tribes.

“Donlin Gold believes in a strong regulatory and public review process for our project applications and has always welcomed questions and comments from those living closest to the project site and throughout the Y-K region,” said Kristina Woolston, External Affairs Manager of Donlin Gold.

Donlin Gold submitted its 12 water rights applications to ADNR in 2013. Over the last seven years, the project has undergone a long review process by state water regulators as well as public input based on feedback gathered from community meetings. Comments received by ADNR during the first comment period remain valid and are being considered as part of the current process.

The Donlin Gold project operations require water usage and management, and its water rights applications outline the volumes and uses of the water. These plans include the best possible data and information to ensure the project will be constructed and operated in a safe, environmentally responsible manner.

In an effort to assist the public to understand the water rights applications, and to provide accurate project information that may be of value when submitting comments, Donlin Gold is again offering to host teleconferenced public meetings with Tribes and communities in the YK region before ADNR’s public comment deadline on March 26, 2021. Copies of Donlin Gold’s water rights applications are available on ADNR’s website.