U.S. Senator Mark Begich issued the following statement on the approval by the U.S. Forest Service of the 2012 exploration permit in an inventoried roadless area on Admiralty Island for the Green Creeks Mine.

“I applaud the decision by the U.S. Forest Service to move ahead with the Greens Creek permit, which is critical for the completion of this year’s exploration plan.

“Locating additional resources extends the life of the mine. This is a good sign for mining in Southeast Alaska and a recognition by the Forest Service that enhancement of existing mining operations, as well as development of new mines like Bokan and Niblack, help to create and keep good paying jobs in the region.

“I especially appreciate that Undersecretary Harris Sherman and Chief Tom Tidwell have been receptive to my support for mining projects in Southeast Alaska as well as my requests that authority for making permitting decisions in inventoried roadless areas be re-delegated to the regional office. I want to thank Regional Forester Beth Pendleton for taking action just a few days after that authority was approved.”

U.S. Forest Service Alaska Regional Forester Beth Pendleton announced Tuesday that she approved a permit for helicopter-supported exploration at the Greens Creek Mine near Juneau.

Here is the Forest Service news release.

Source:Office of Senator Begich