FAIRBANKS — The BLM has received a proposal from Fairbanks Gold Mining Inc. to conduct mineral assessment work near the Fort Knox gold mine on BLM-managed lands withdrawn for use by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA utilizes adjacent federal lands for its Fairbanks Satellite Operations Facility. 

Fairbanks Gold Mining Inc.’s proposed work would include soil sampling, geologic mapping, and drilling. This activity would occur on land near the western boundary of the Fort Knox mine, located 26 miles northeast of Fairbanks. Approximately 25 acres of land would be temporarily disturbed and concurrently reclaimed.

Before accepting a formal application from Fairbanks Gold Mining Inc, the BLM is required to post notice of the proposal in the Federal Register. The Federal Register notice was published today, initiating a 45-day public comment period. The BLM invites the public to submit comments on the proposal on or before August 11, 2014. Following the public comment period, the BLM will determine whether Fairbanks Gold Mining may submit a formal application.

For more information or to submit comments, please contact the Acting Eastern Interior Field Office Manager at (907) 474-2263 or EasternInterior@blm.gov.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands. 

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