Legislature(2023 - 2024)BUTROVICH 205
04/03/2024 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation: Department of Environmental Conservation | |
| Presentation: Graphite Creek Project | |
| Presentation: Donlin Project | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | SB 253 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
April 3, 2024
3:32 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Click Bishop, Co-Chair
Senator Cathy Giessel, Co-Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski, Vice Chair
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Senator James Kaufman
Senator Forrest Dunbar
Senator Matt Claman
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Department Of Environment Conservation
Emma Pokon - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
PRESENTATION: GRAPHITE CREEK PROJECT
- HEARD
PRESENTATION: DONLIN PROJECT
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
EMMA POKON, Commissioner-Designee
Department of Environmental Conservation
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's commissioner
designee to the Department of Environmental Conservation.
ILIODOR PHILEMONOF, Government Relations Administrator
Calista Corporation
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Commissioner-Designee Pokon.
KEVIN TORPY, Vice President of Mining
Graphite One
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview of the Graphite Creek
Project.
KRISTINA WOOLSTON, External Affairs Manager
Donlin Gold
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an update on the Donlin Project.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:32:22 PM
CO-CHAIR CLICK BISHOP called the Senate Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wielechowski, Kawasaki, Kaufman, Dunbar,
Claman, Co-Chair Bishop, and Co-Chair Giessel.
^Confirmation: Department of Environmental Conservation
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
3:32:58 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP announced the consideration of the confirmation
hearing for Emma Pokon as the commissioner of the Department of
Environmental Conservation.
3:33:39 PM
EMMA POKON, Commissioner-Designee, Department of Environmental
Conservation, Anchorage, Alaska, provided a brief work and
education history. She expressed eagerness to continue her
career in public service in this role. She has served as the
Deputy Commissioner for over four years and has over 11 years of
State service. Prior to DEC, she worked at the Department of Law
(DOL) and had the opportunity to work in Fairbanks, the North
Slope Borough, and the State Superior Court. She stated that her
experience in environmental law, backed by her master's degree
in the field, equips her to support the agency and make informed
decisions. She stated that she feels well-grounded after her
time at the department and is confident in her ability to
contribute to the agency's success.
3:35:29 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI noted that, as previously discussed,
approximately 99 percent of environmental scientists believe
that climate change has a man-made cause. He requested her
perspective on this fact.
3:35:52 PM
COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE POKON agreed that the weight of the
science indicates that climate change is happening and is
anthropogenically caused. She noted that in Alaska,
particularly, the effects are evident. During her time on the
North Slope, community members shared their observations, which
would concur with this understanding.
3:36:22 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI noted that a lot of the work requires attention
to detail, specifically in research and dispatching permits for
air quality. He inquired whether she feels her department is
adequately staffed to take on these responsibilities. He
observed that a dozen years ago, permits were relatively quick
to obtain, which was favorable for the industry, but now it
seems to be lagging. He asked how the state could address this
issue.
3:37:06 PM
COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE POKON expressed gratitude for the
positions and resources provided by the legislature in recent
years. She noted that resources discussed during the last
legislative session for the Division of Air Quality are being
allocated to ensure permitting can proceed more smoothly. The
department has received resources for the Division of Water,
specifically for the Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (APDES) program and related work. She mentioned that new
positions have been added in the Division of Spill Prevention
and Response. Recognizing past feedback, she acknowledged the
need for more efficient permitting processes and stated that
these additional resources will be helpful.
3:38:10 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR said he sees the role of the Department of
Conservation as working hand in glove with the Department of
Health, noting that one of its primary roles is to protect the
health and well-being of Alaskans, particularly in urban areas.
He inquired about the efforts her department might be
undertaking to resolve the health challenges resulting from
unlined landfills in rural Alaska. He also asked what she sees
as the largest threats to water quality for the public in the
state and what she might propose to do about it.
3:39:16 PM
COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE POKON recognized that unlined landfills
are a concern, as there may be leaching or other sources of
impact from those sites. She acknowledged the challenges rural
communities face regarding the logistics and costs of installing
liners for established landfills. The department's mission is to
protect human health and the environment while also considering
the economic and social well-being of Alaskans. As they address
issues like unlined landfills, it is important to evaluate the
feasibility for communities, considering costs and the relative
risks of specific solutions. She agreed that unlined landfills
are not ideal, but she did not have specific steps in mind
regarding actions with particular communities. She noted that
the EPA concurs with assessing practices based on the totality
of circumstances. The department aims to monitor how unlined
landfills impact water quality, particularly drinking water
sources, and respond where necessary. Regarding water quality
challenges around the state, she mentioned that the Division of
Water prepares a periodic list identifying water bodies that do
not meet state water quality standards. This list is a useful
resource for understanding where water quality is being
affected. Factors contributing to water quality impairment can
include proximity to roads and runoff. For regulated facilities,
the department conducts a robust permitting process to ensure
any discharges to water bodies are protective of those
environments, including human and fish consumption. For
permitted discharges, there is confidence that human health is
being safeguarded. However, risks arise from unplanned
discharges or releases, which can occur. The department aims to
ensure an appropriate response to clean up where necessary or to
address any negligence leading to such releases.
3:43:09 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN noted that there have been numerous discussions
about SPAR funding and expressed concern that the challenges
regarding the lack of funding for the SPAR division haven't
changed significantly. He mentioned that accounting changes
related to the fiscal year make it seem as though the SPAR
budget is in better condition than it actually is. He asked for
her perspective on this issue, stating that he continues to
worry about the lack of funding for the SPAR budget, even as
budget presentations suggest that the problem has been resolved.
He inquired about the metrics and overall perspective on the
funding situation.
3:43:54 PM
COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE POKON expressed her understanding that the
phenomenon observed in the budget presentations, where there
appeared to be a double deposit in one year, resulted from
legislative direction to place money into a fund. This fund was
established to ensure continuous funding for operations amid
budgetary concerns and sweep issues. She clarified that this was
not an accounting trick to create a more favorable picture;
rather, it was a legislative decision to deposit funds into the
account before the end of the fiscal year, preventing the money
from disappearing during the sweep. She acknowledged that the
current balance in the account is approximately $18 million,
with projections indicating a decline to around $14 million in
10 years. While this represents a manageable decline rather than
a fiscal cliff scenario, she noted that this forecast does not
account for investment earnings. She highlighted that investment
earnings for the current year are around $2.3 million, while
last year's earnings were approximately $2 million. Although
these earnings are uncertain and not included in the forecast,
they represent potential inflow. Cost recovery is coming in, and
there are significant settlements potentially on the horizon.
She expressed confidence in the division's current status but
acknowledged the responsibility to ensure that the division has
the necessary funding to continue its work should circumstances
change.
3:46:25 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP expressed appreciation to the committee members
for spending the day at Usibelli Coal Mine. He noted the value
of learning about the industry from the ground up and thanked
everyone for taking the time to deepen their understanding of
the coal mining process.
3:46:53 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP opened public testimony on the appointment of
Commissioner-Designee Pokon.
3:47:16 PM
ILIODOR PHILEMONOF, Government Relations Administrator, Calista
Corporation, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of the
confirmation of Ms. Pokon. He said he believes the candidate is
outstanding and will serve admirably as DEC Commissioner. She
has been a great advocate and communicator for many communities.
3:47:46 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP closed public testimony on the appointment of
Ms. Pokon.
3:47:51
CO-CHAIR BISHOP solicited a motion.
3:47:53 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL moved Emma Pokon, Commissioner-Designee to the
Department of Conservation, be forwarded to a Joint Session of
the legislature for consideration.
Signing the report(s) regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or
disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely
forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or rejection.
3:48:17 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP found no objection; he stated that, in
accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Senate Resources Standing
Committee reviewed the following and recommends the appointment
be forwarded to a joint session for consideration:
Commissioner - Department of Conservation
Emma Pokon - Anchorage
3:48:28 PM
At ease
^Presentation: Graphite Creek Project
PRESENTATION: GRAPHITE CREEK PROJECT
3:50:25 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of a presentation on the Graphite Creek Project.
3:51:06 PM
KEVIN TORPY, Vice President of Mining, Graphite One, Anchorage,
Alaska, presented an overview of the Graphite Creek Project. He
shared his background as a mining engineer with approximately 28
years of experience in late-stage exploration and the
construction of mining operations, primarily in northern
regions. His Alaska experience includes work at the Kensington
and Pogo mines, as well as the Ambler Metals project. He noted
that Graphite One Alaska owns the Graphite Creek project and is
a wholly owned subsidiary of Graphite One Inc., a Canadian
company based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
3:51:51 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 2 and previewed a disclosure statement.
3:52:00 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 3 and described the graphite crisis in
America:
[Original punctuation provided.]
America's Graphite Crisis
100 percent
U.S. import reliance on China as primary graphite
import source
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
70 percent
of the world's graphite supply comes from China
REUTERS
95 percent
of anode materials in lithium-ion batteries is based
on graphite
EUROPEAN CARBON & GRAPHITE ASSOCIATION
494 percent
Expected growth of the graphitemarketby2050
WORLD BANK GROUP
2,500 percent
Expected growth of graphite demand by 2040
JOE BIDEN'S 100-DAY REPORT
15:1
Ratio of graphite to lithium in electric car batteries
LOMIKO METALS
The Need for Graphite - Lomiko Metals Inc.
MR. TORPY acknowledged that this committee was briefed by the
Alaska Miners Association (AMA) a few weeks ago on critical
minerals, including some information on graphite. He indicated
that he would not belabor the point by going through the numbers
in great detail but emphasized that, like many critical
minerals, the United States has fallen far behind in both the
mining of these ores and the raw production material.
3:52:47 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL inquired about the second point regarding the
graphite supply, noting that 70 percent of the world's graphite
supply comes from China. She asked whether the graphite actually
comes from China or if it is refined and then exported from
China, questioning if the real source of the critical mineral is
another country.
3:53:05 PM
MR. TORPY replied that, regarding raw natural graphite material,
much of it is mined in China as well as in other countries such
as Europe and Mozambique. He noted that, for the most part, all
refininguntil very recentlyhas occurred in China to provide an
anode product. He observed that the U.S. has seen minimal
production come online in the past year, along with a small
amount from Canada, but emphasized that the U.S. is decades
behind China's efforts in this area.
3:53:51 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 4 and explained the supply chain
solution:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Graphite One's Supply Chain Solution
Meet demand graphite to decrease dependency on China
Graphite One (Alaska) Inc.
• Advance America's largest graphite deposit
• Raw material
• Graphite Creek is the largest natural flake
graphite deposit in the US
• 300+ jobs created in rural Alaska
• Foster partnerships
• Community engagement
• BSNC investment support
Create America's first advanced anode manufacturing
AND battery recycling facilities
• Plan to produce both natural graphite and
artificial graphite anode materials
• 400+ est. high-tech jobs created in the US
• Clean and renewable energy
• Technology License Agreement (TLA)
• G1 to own 100 percent of the Infrastructure and
Plant
• Facility engineering to accept used EV batteries
for feedstock
MR. TORPY said that, unlike metal mining in Alaska, which
typically involves creating a doré or concentrate for sale to
smelters, Graphite One's vision is to establish a fully U.S.
domestic supply chain rather than selling natural graphite
concentrate to China or other countries for further refinement.
He explained that the goal is to develop the Graphite Creek
project in Alaska to supply natural flake graphite, which will
then be sent to a secondary treatment facility in the lower 48
states. There, it will be purified and combined with artificial
graphite products to produce anode batteries for the electric
vehicle market. However, the challenge lies in the secondary
treatment and the lack of processing technology that has
developed in the United States over the last several decades.
3:55:09 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked why the manufacturing of the raw material,
as described in the model, is planned to take place in the lower
48 states instead of in Alaska.
3:55:23 PM
MR. TORPY said he would address the topic later in the
presentation.
3:55:41 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 5 and spoke to the project location:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Project Location
• 38 miles north of Nome
• Between the Imuruk Basin and the Kigluaik
Mountains
• 176 State Mining Claims
MR. TORPY said the projects are located on the Seward Peninsula,
about 38 miles north of Nome, just north of the Inward Basin.
The property is fully located on state mining claims. Operations
are conducted seasonally in three areas at the Graphite Creek
project, marked by a yellow star. There is a camp at the project
site and a small camp on the outskirts of Nome. Staging areas on
Cougar Rock Road, permitted by the state, are used to stage
freight and fuel. Supplies are transported by road to these
areas before being flown by helicopter to the project.
3:56:33 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 6 and detailed the Graphite Creek Camp:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Graphite Creek Camp
• 60-person capacity, supporting
• Drilling
• Helicopter support
• Environmental baseline monitoring
MR. TORPY stated that the 60-person camp at the project site
operates seasonally from June to early October. Activities at
the site include drilling the deposit and providing helicopter
support for both drilling operations and baseline environmental
monitoring, which is also conducted seasonally. He expressed
hope to discuss the environmental monitoring further.
3:57:05 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 7 and summarized the Nome camp:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Nome Camp
• 24-person capacity, supporting
• Core logging
• Core cutting
• Sample preparation
• Expediting
• Transitional housing
MR. TORPY explained that the small camp on the northern
outskirts of Nome, near the satellite fields, serves as the site
where all drill core is flown in. At this facility, geologists
log and prepare the core for assaying before it is shipped off-
site. The facility is also used to stage all freight for the
project.
3:57:38 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 8 and spoke to exploration history:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Exploration History
• Early 1900's - Minor mining production in two
campaigns
• 1943 - Sampling & mapping by the USGS
• 1981 - Sampling by Anaconda Company
MR. TORPY noted that that attempts at commercial development
date back to the early 1900s, although native peoples in the
region had long been aware of the graphite deposits. Since 2011,
when Graphite One became involved, several years of drilling and
studies have been conducted. Last year marked the largest
program to date, with over 8,700 meters (about 28,000 feet) of
core drilled.
3:58:26 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 9 and spoke to the prefeasibility study
from 2022:
[Original punctuation provided.]
2022 Prefeasibility Study Results
• Open pit mining operation with conventional
crushing, grinding, and flotation circuit2,800
tonnes per day mill throughout
• 2.2:1 stripping ratio
• Co-disposal of waste rock with dry stack tailings
• ~18-mile access road
• 22-year mine life
• Concentrate barged from Nome to Lower 48
seasonally
• Secondary Treatment Plant (STP) and anode
Manufacturing Facility
"The largest known graphite deposit in the United
States is the Graphite Creek deposit in Alaska where
recent industry exploration has identified a measured
and indicated resources of more than 10 million metric
tonnes of ore with 7.8 to 8.0 percent graphite"
MR. TORPY said the exploration history dates back to the early
1900s, with a few attempts to establish commercial operations in
the area. Predating these efforts, the native peoples were
already aware of the graphite deposits. Since 2011, when
Graphite One became involved with the project, several years of
drilling and studies have taken place. This culminated in last
year's largest program to date, where over 8,700 meters,
approximately 28,000 feet, of core were drilled.
4:00:09 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP inquired about the quality of the core box on
the photo on the far-right side of slide 9.
4:00:22 PM
MR. TORPY replied yes, that is the case.
4:00:38 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 10 and spoke to the steps forward:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Where to next?
2022 Prefeasibility Study
• 2,800 tpd mill
• 9,436 tpd mine (ore + waste)
• 53,000 tpy graphite concentrate
• STP 26-year annual production 75,026 tpy
including 49,624 tpy anode materials
Feasibility Study Target
• 10,000 tpd mill
• ~33,700 tpd mine
• 175,000 tpy graphite concentrate
• 22-year mine life
Feasibility Study targets improving economics by
• Significantly lowering the operating cost per
tonne of graphite concentrate produced
• Minimally increasing headcount but with up to 3.6
x increased throughput
MR. TORPY mentioned that the current production rate of 2,800
tons per day is low and carries high costs, especially given the
size of the deposit and the changing market dynamics. He noted
that recent forecasts on the electric vehicle market and
feedback from car manufacturers indicate a demand for much more
than the current production capacity. In response, a drilling
program was initiated to increase production capacity to 10,000
tons per day, which would align with the scale of operations at
Red Dog. Due to the extensive trend, approximately 20,000 feet
were drilled last year. The team believes they will be well
positioned with the feeder zone they are currently working on,
aiming to maintain a mine life of over 20 years at a rate of 3.6
times throughput. The study is expected to be completed by the
end of the year.
4:02:06 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked how much annual revenue is anticipated.
4:02:25 PM
MR. TORPY replied that he could not provide an answer until
after study is completed.
4:02:47 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked if the company is publicly traded. He noted
that the committee chair and others are interested in this
information. In the pre-feasibility study, there must have been
discussions about financials, which he believes represent a
significant portion of the overall financial picture. He
requested a rough estimate of the revenue scale and asked
whether it involves hundreds of thousands, millions, or tens of
millions of dollars.
4:03:15 PM
MR. TORPY replied that Graphite One is publicly traded on the
Vancouver Stock Exchange He said he does not have the data in
hand but would report back to the committee.
4:03:45 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 11 and explained environmental baseline
monitoring:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Environmental Baseline Monitoring
• Various levels of environmental baseline
monitoring since 2014 to support eventual NEPA
permitting process
• Cultural
• Surface & ground water
• Raptor surveys
• Aquatic species
• Imuruk Basin bathymetry
• Geochemical
• Hydrogeologic
• Meteorological
• Wetlands mapping
MR. TORPY stated that in preparation for informing the upcoming
feasibility study and likely entering the permitting phase next
year, extensive environmental baseline studies are being
conducted. He emphasized that this year's focus will be on
permafrost and geotechnical studies.
4:04:22 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 12 and spoke to community outreach:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Community Outreach
• Community meetings since 2014 with emphasis on
Brevig Mission, Teller, and Nome.
• Subsistence Advisory Council established in 2018
• Initially Brevig Mission, Teller, and Mary's
Igloo.
• Expanded to include BSNC, Nome Eskimo Community,
and King Island Tribal Council in 2023
• Increasing local hiring
• Working with local resources on long term
workforce development needs
• 2023 Investment Agreement with BSNC sets up
scholarships and community project funding
MR. TORPY said Graphite One has been making significant efforts
since 2014 to engage with local communities, particularly the
villages of the Brevig, Mission, Teller and the city of Nome. In
2018, a supervisory committee was formed to incorporate feedback
from tribal organizations to minimize impacts on subsistence
activities in the area. This council was originally established
with input from the Brevig Mission and Mary's Igloo. Last year,
the committee was expanded to include the Bering Strait City,
the Kotzebue Eskimo community, and the Kigigak Island Tribal
Council. He initiated a major push to prioritize direct hiring
instead of relying on contractors, who had not been effectively
engaging in local hiring. This focus has been a priority over
the past year and will continue moving forward. He added that
they are grateful to have Bering Straits Native Corporation
invest in the company last year, which also resulted in the
company establishing scholarship funding and community project
funding for all three of the communities involved.
4:05:50 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 13 and spoke to economic impacts:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Economic Impacts
• 6 fulltime Alaska residents
• 1 Fulltime & 22 seasonal regional residents
• 2023 Payroll Impacts$1.9M to Alaska Residents
• $582K to regional residents
• Similar numbers expected for 2024
• $31.2M in goods & services to Alaska businesses
since 2021, including $5.5M to Seward Peninsula
based businesses
MR. TORPY said there are currently six full-time Alaska
residents working on the project, while the majority of the
staff is seasonal to support the summer program. There is one
full-time employee in Nome, and last summer, the project
employed 22 seasonal regional residents across both the company
and its contractors. He noted that the payroll impact appears
modest, totaling $1.9 million to Alaska residents and about
$500,000 to regional residents, primarily over a four-month
period. Despite this, these figures are meaningful to the
communities involved. The project has had a significant impact
on Alaska businesses, contributing approximately $31.2 million
to businesses statewide, with $5.5 million benefiting businesses
on the Seward Peninsula.
4:07:05 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked for the current estimate of the earliest
point in time when production from the mine is expected to
commence.
4:07:14 PM
MR. TORPY replied that he has a slide coming up that will
outline the project's timeline for the next several years.
4:07:31 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 14 and spoke to the secondary treatment
plan:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Secondary Treatment Plant
• Graphite Creek concentrate to be shipped to Lower
48 recently announced Ohio location
• Alternative power to be used to mill, shape, and
purify / graphitize input materials into the
following products
• Natural and artificial graphite products produced
Anode Materials
• Li-ion Batteries
• 4 anode products
Purified Graphite Products
• 99 percent Cg
• Conventional, non-lithium-ion battery anode
industry
Unpurified Graphite Products
• 95 percent Cg
• Traditional graphite markets such as refractory
materials, lubricants, etc.
MR. TORPY said that the secondary treatment process involves
purifying both the natural graphite produced at Graphite Creek
and artificial graphite products, which are essential for
battery construction. The graphite produced will meet various
grades, with the quality and properties of each split
determining its end-use. Higher purity products will be used for
anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, representing the
premium segment of the output. Lesser pure products will be
directed to conventional non-lithium-ion batteries. The lower-
grade, less purified graphite will be utilized in traditional
markets, such as lubricants and refractory materials.
4:08:54 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 15 and explained secondary treatment:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Why Not Secondary Treatment in Alaska?
• Lower cost and more abundant power in Lower 48PFS
Phase I - 85.9 MW Connected / 54.3 MW Peak
• PFS Phase II 110 MW Connected / 66.5 MW Peak
• Lower carbon footprint more attractive to
investors interested in the graphite / BEV sector
• Access to ports for incoming concentrate and
other precursor materials
• Access to transportation systems for delivery of
battery anodes in the USA and to Europe
MR. TORPY explained why secondary treatment is not feasible in
Alaska, citing two main reasons: limited available power and
restricted access to transportation and supply chains. Referring
to data from a previous building study, he described how
treating concentrates from a 2,800-ton-per-day mining operation
is highly energy-intensive. The graphite must be heated to
thousands of degrees for purification, requiring 86 megawatts of
connected power in phase one, with 119 megawatts in the longer-
term phase. The plan is to increase natural graphite output by
3.6 times, which would demand even more power. He emphasized the
importance of affordable and low-carbon energy and noted that
investors in the graphite electric vehicle sector prioritize a
minimal carbon footprint.
4:10:33 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how many megawatts are required for
the mining operation and inquired about the plan to provide the
necessary power.
4:10:41 PM
MR. TORPY replied that the plan is to sync it with a feasibility
study at ten thousand tons per day and approximately 30
megawatts of power will be needed. Currently, without other
solutions, the operation would rely on diesel, which is the
basis of the study. He expressed hope that mini nuclear power
could gain traction in the future. Additionally, discussions
with Kawerak are underway regarding the potential of their
Tolovana Hot Springs to provide geothermal energy to the
project, though it is in the early stages and not expected to
serve as a base case in the study.
4:11:28 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI inquired about the planned route for
transporting the product to the Lower 48 by March.
4:11:38 PM
MR. TORPY replied that Graphite One anticipates barging the
product from Nome to either Seattle or Prince Rupert Port, after
which it would be transported by rail to Ohio.
4:12:01 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked about the low-carbon power source in Ohio
that investors are seeking, noting that Ohio is not typically
associated with large-scale hydroelectric power like Hoover Dam.
He inquired if there is a significant hydro power plant there
and sought clarification on the power generation in Ohio that is
currently competitive.
4:12:30 PM
MR. TORPY stated that Graphite One has been in communication
with nuclear power providers.
4:12:48 PM
MR. TORPY explained that beyond the need for power, access to
the supply chain is crucial for obtaining the precursors
required for the artificial side of the process. Additionally,
proximity to the supply chain allows for efficient delivery of
the finished product to car manufacturers.
4:13:14 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 16 and spoke to the Department of
Defense Technology Investment Agreement:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Department of Defense Technology Investment Agreement
July 17, 2023, Graphite One (Alaska) Inc. was awarded
a $37.5M Department of Defense (DoD) Technology
Investment Agreement (TIA) under Title III of the
Defense Production Act (DPA) funded through the
Inflation Reduction Act.
The goal of the TIA is to perform an accelerated
Feasibility Study to modernize and expand domestic
production capacity and supply for graphite battery
anodes necessary for electronic vehicles and
alternative energy batteries, as an essential national
defense technology item.
MR. TORPY noted that DoD will fund 50 percent of the project's
costs, up to $37.5 million, to support efforts toward completing
the feasibility study. He emphasized the critical importance of
graphite to U.S. security and noted that China currently
dominates the graphite market. He added that without this
assistance, it would be unlikely that the project could advance
independently.
4:14:12 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 17 and spoke to state and delegation
support, showcasing quotes from public officials. He expressed
gratitude for the bipartisan support from the local delegation,
including Governor Dunleavy, Senator Sullivan, and Congresswoman
Peltola. He specifically highlighted Senator Murkowski's
instrumental role in supporting the project, noting that within
two days of visiting the site last year, she was on the Senate
floor advocating for the project.
4:14:54 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 18 and detailed the project timeline:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Project Timeline
2024:
Complete Feasibility Study
2025 2027:
Permitting, Detailed Engineering
2027 2029:
Construction
2029+:
Operations
MR. TORPY mentioned that Graphite One is on track to complete
drilling this year, which will provide the final information
needed for the feasibility study expected to be published by the
end of the year. He indicated a desire to enter the permitting
process afterward, estimating that it may take about two years,
followed by an optimistic two years for construction. Operations
and production of concentrates are anticipated to begin in 2030.
4:15:37 PM
SENATOR KAUFMAN inquired about the project's global standing,
asking how it compares in terms of global competition for
graphite material.
4:15:56 PM
MR. TORPY replied that he does not have a specific ranking for
the project's global standing, noting that obtaining reliable
information, particularly from China, about tonnage and deposit
breadth is very challenging. The project's deposits are likely
substantial on a global scale. However, he pointed out that
other regions, such as Mozambique, have deposits with much
higher grades than theirs. While the project's size is
competitive, its grade is likely in the middle of the pack. He
noted that the project is running at a graphite grade of five to
six percent, while one of the projects in Mozambique exceeds 20
percent.
4:16:54 PM
SENATOR KAUFMAN noted recent news indicating that China is
shutting down operations and requiring permits for the export of
graphite materials. He emphasized that this development is
significant; not only the presence of graphite but also China's
control over the market and the increasing restrictions.
4:17:17 PM
MR. TORPY agreed, stating that China's ability to manipulate the
graphite markets has been evident, particularly this summer. He
cited an example involving a project in Louisiana that is
undertaking the secondary treatment of graphite mined in
Mozambique. As this project was coming online, China made it
difficult for them to sell their product at competitive prices,
thereby complicating their market entry.
4:17:57 PM
MR. TORPY moved to slide 19 and summarized the project:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Summary
• Graphite is a mineral critical to the nation's
security, but we are fully reliant on foreign
sources
• Bipartisan support for domestic supply chain for
graphite battery anodes for which we are
currently fully reliant on China
• The Graphite Creek Project is the nation's
largest natural graphite deposit
• With the addition of artificial graphite
production completes the full US domestic supply
chain
• The Project shows a long-projected mine life and
is positioned on a trend that should provide
multi-generational jobs in Western Alaska and
ongoing security to our critical mineral supply
chain.
MR. TORPY summarized that the project is well-positioned to
supply a portion of the country's graphite needs and, for the
first time in decades, contribute to a domestic supply chain. He
expressed gratitude for the ongoing bipartisan support for the
project and looked forward to advancing it to create multi-
generational jobs for western Alaska.
4:18:35 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP said he is looking forward to the first
construction.
^Presentation: Donlin Project
PRESENTATION: DONLIN PROJECT
4:18:53 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP announced the consideration of a presentation
overview of the Donlin Project.
4:19:33 PM
At ease
4:20:17 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP reconvened the meeting.
4:20:25 PM
KRISTINA WOOLSTON, External Affairs Manager, Donlin Gold,
Anchorage, Alaska, presented an update on the Donlin Project.
She noted that, similar to the Graphite One presentation, she
would be making forward-looking statements and advised the
audience to use the information accordingly. She emphasized that
the information provided is based on their best expectations and
proposals.
4:21:31 PM
MS. WOOLSTON moved to slide 2 and detailed landowners and
surface rights:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Land Owners
• Calista board selected the land for resource
development through ANCSA in early 1970s
• Generate employment opportunities and economic
benefits for Calista Shareholders
• Invited Donlin Gold to develop property for
benefit of shareholders
• Exploration and mining lease
• Hiring preference: shareholders, spouses, and
descendants
• Bidder's preference for subsidiaries
• Contributions to scholarship program
• Surface Use Agreement
• Contributions to KEF scholarship
• Hiring preference: shareholders, spouses, and
descendants
• Bidder's preference for subsidiaries
• Agreement on construction and operation of
Angyaruaq port
• Oversite during mine closure and reclamation
MS. WOOLSTON stated that the gold at Donlin is owned by the
Calista Corporation, which selected the land specifically after
the Alaska Native Settlement Act (ANCSA) to develop resources
for the benefit of its shareholders. She noted that Calista owns
both surface rights and some subsurface rights, while The
Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) is the surface landowner.
Exploration and mining agreements are made with Calista and TKC,
encompassing various aspects, including significant community
activities, support partnerships, local programs, hiring
preferences for shareholders, their descendants, and preferences
for their subsidiary companies. She highlighted the incredible
opportunity to collaborate with Calista to develop new business
lines now and in the future, reflecting the intent of ANCSA to
empower local ownership of land. Calista thoughtfully delayed
the development of Donlin until the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) law was passed, ensuring confidence in the
safety measures for their prized resources, including land,
water, and fish.
4:23:08 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL noted her previous experience as a citizen
attending hearings and emphasized the importance of clarity for
the audience. She referred to Slide 2, mentioning TKC and
highlighted that providing context on TKC and the NEPA is
essential for listeners to follow along.
4:23:31 PM
MS. WOOLSTON explained that TKC is a cooperative of 10
communities that have come together as individual village
corporations. The Calista Corporation represents 56 villages and
tribes in the region, and their stakeholder engagement includes
a total of 62 communities. She mentioned that the national gas
pipeline, which is permitted, starts on Calista land and
eventually reaches Anchorage. While Donlin Gold considers the
three regional corporations and 62 communities as their
stakeholders, all Alaskans are part of this effort since the
gold resources are located on Alaska Native Corporation land. As
such, they are subject to the 7(j)-royalty sharing law. This law
reflects the sharing culture prevalent in rural communities,
where 70 percent of the profits earned from Donlin Gold will be
shared among the native corporations. The seven regional
corporations receive these profits, and 50 percent is further
distributed to the village corporations, creating an effective
model for sharing wealth among native people.
4:25:05 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN inquired whether Calista owns the subsurface
rights in the same manner as the surface rights, given that the
land was selected through the ANCSA processes.
4:25:13 PM
MS. WOOLSTON confirmed that Calista is listed as the subsurface
landowner. While they own some surface land, they specifically
own the gold, and Donlin Gold is operating at Calista's
invitation, as they selected the company as their development
partner.
4:25:29 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked whether the state has any economic interest
in the resource development, noting that the subsurface
resources are owned by Calista.
4:25:44 PM
MS. WOOLSTON stated that the land is owned by a Native
corporation and is subject to safety regulations. Similar to the
economic information shared earlier by Graphite One, she expects
the economic impact to be significant across the state.
Currently, the estimated cost for construction, operation, and
ongoing improvements and maintenance is a little over $8
billion, pending an updated feasibility study.
[4:25:44]
CO-CHAIR BISHOP asked her to repeat her response.
[4:25:44]
MS. WOOLSTON repeated her response and added that this
undertaking requires considerable financial resources,
engineering, planning, logistics preparation, and human capital.
4:26:59 PM
MS. WOOLSTON moved to slide 3 and explained the goals of the
Donlin Project:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Our Goals
• Develop a safe and environmentally sound mine
• Provide economic opportunities and jobs to Y-K
region, neighboring communities, and Alaska
• Respect and co-existence of subsistence
activities with employment
• Protect Crooked Creek and Kuskokwim River
MS. WOOLSTON emphasized that the project is deeply important to
the management and community relations team, all of whom are
Alaska Native from rural communities. They feel privileged to be
invited by Calista and the Kuskokwim Corporation as their
development partner. The project includes roughly 34 million
ounces of gold, which is classified as refractory due to
microscopic particles held within arsenopyrite, necessitating an
energy-intensive extraction process. The project will process
approximately 59,000 tons per day, requiring substantial power.
Donlin Gold is currently working with the State of Alaska's dam
safety permit office. The approval process is expected to take
around two years to design and secure the necessary permits for
the lined tailings storage facility (TSF). The design will
incorporate a material that effectively creates a liner
throughout the facility. Regarding the infrastructure, a fiber
optic network is planned along the natural gas pipeline
corridor. While there is considerable activity and development
of fiber infrastructure, this may change as future construction
progresses, potentially increasing on-site and global
infrastructure options.
4:27:24 PM
MS. WOOLSTON moved to slide 4 and provided an overview of the
Donlin Project:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Project Overview
• Reserves: 33.9 M oz of gold
• Mine Life: ~27+ years
• Production: ~ 1.1 M oz/year
• Operation: Open-pit
• Milling: 59,000 tons/day
• Strip ratio: ~5.5:1 = ~3B tons waste rock
• Tailings: Fully lined storage facility
• Infrastructure: fiber optic network, runway, 600
person camp, 30- mile road, 2 ports
• Equipment: 69 haul trucks (400 ton/ea), electric
shovels
• Power: ~220MW power plant, 314-mile natural-gas
pipeline from Cook Inlet
MS. WOOLSTON noted that the project involves roughly 34 million
ounces of gold, characterized as refractory due to microscopic
particles held within arsenopyrite. This requires an energy-
intensive process, as the project will mill approximately 59,000
tons per day, necessitating substantial power. She noted the
ongoing collaboration with the State of Alaska's dam safety
permit office, which entails a two-year iterative process for
designing and securing necessary permits for the TSF. This
facility will utilize a material welded together to create a
continuous liner. A fiber optic network will be installed along
the 314-mile natural gas pipeline corridor. There is significant
planning and development for fiber infrastructure, which may
evolve as construction progresses, potentially leading to
additional on-site and local infrastructure options.
4:29:31 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR observed the project's potential economic impact,
noting that with an estimated recovery of 1.21 million ounces of
gold per year for over 27 years, totaling approximately 30
million recoverable ounces, the revenue could reach around $60
billion based on current gold prices of $2,200 to $2,300 per
ounce. He suggested rounding this figure down to $2,000 for
simplicity, highlighting the significant economic activity
generated $60 billion. While Alaska has no personal income tax,
many workers will benefit financially from this project. With an
anticipated $8 billion spent within the state, he emphasized the
importance of considering the broader economic implications,
including value-added processing that would occur outside the
state.
4:30:33 PM
MS. WOOLSTON explained that the processing facility at Donlin
will produce gold doré bars, which will be shipped out after
initial processing is completed on-site in Alaska. She noted
that developing the project has taken time due to the
significant energy and infrastructure required for processing.
She mentioned that costs have risen roughly 40 percent over the
past few years, suggesting that the previously provided figures
are conservative since construction decisions are yet to be
made. A permitted port will be established just south of Crooked
Creek, the village nearest to the project site, with plans to
construct four purpose-built barges for navigating the Kuskokwim
River. These barges will feature a double-hulled modular design
to adapt to the river's bends and a shallow draft. The project
will also include a 600-person camp and a 30-mile-long road,
along with a 5,000-foot one-way access route. Purdue Creek
village is approximately 13 miles from the project site, and
planning efforts will involve extensive collaboration with them.
TKC will serve as the owner and operator of the port project.
4:32:52 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP inquired about the asset value of gold doré
bars.
4:33:02 PM
MS. WOOLSTON replied that she believes it is 80 percent, but
offered to follow up with the committee.
4:33:07 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP noted that when he checks the gold price at
$2,200 each morning, he must account for smelting losses and
purity levels, which impacts the effective value of the gold,
suggesting a need to factor in the numeric value.
4:33:31 PM
MS. WOOLSTON said she would follow up with a specific value.
4:33:38 PM
MS. WOOLSTON moved to slide 5 and spoke to the natural gas
pipeline:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Natural Gas Pipeline
• Steel pipeline suppling natural gas to onsite
power plant
• 30 to 35 mcf/day (approx. 50 percent of pipeline
capacity)
• Buried along entire alignment Above ground at
fault crossing
• Single compressor station
• Open access pipeline
MS. WOOLSTON stated that Donlin is permitted to construct a 314-
mile natural gas pipeline leading to a 227-megawatt power
facility on-site, supplying all operational power. Diesel will
also be brought in via barges for construction materials. The
natural gas pipeline will connect to existing infrastructure
approximately 33 miles west of Anchorage, with a capacity of 73
million standard cubic feet per day. On average, it will consume
around 25 million cubic feet per day to generate a base load of
approximately 153 megawatts, with a peak load of about 181
megawatts.
4:34:44 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if there are any firm gas contracts
with Cook Inlet producers.
4:34:50 PM
MS. WOOLSTON stated that they are not yet ready to publish any
Request for Quotes (RFQs) or Request for Proposals (RFPs) for
natural gas and have not entered into contracts with suppliers.
The gas line is permitted, but recent developments in Cook
Inlet's natural gas supply have prompted them to consider
alternative sources. The situation is currently a hot topic in
South Central Alaska, as the supply is largely committed. If
there is gas available for sale, they may need to explore other
suppliers, but as of now, no contracts are in place.
4:35:48 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if utilizing this would constitute
roughly 16 percent of their gas supply, noting their efforts to
secure gas from Cook Inlet. He expressed concern about the
inability to get producers to supply gas and questioned whether
she believes they will be able to incentivize producers to
increase production.
4:36:07 PM
MS. WOOLSTON stated that Donlin views itself as a sizable
potential customer for natural gas. She mentioned that during
their recent meetings with various suppliers, producers, and
regulatory agencies, they raised similar questions about the
availability of natural gas. While Donlin is interested in the
supply, it is not in a position to invest in a natural gas
company to support development, which is outside their scope of
business. Consequently, it is closely monitoring the situation
in Cook Inlet, like others, to see what solutions may arise.
4:36:54 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP inquired whether the right-of-way is permitted
for the transmission line, asking if it could still be utilized
in the event that a gas pipeline was not constructed and an
alternative power source was used instead.
4:37:07 PM
MS. WOOLSTON replied that it is it is only permitted for the
natural gas pipeline and for the fiber optic network.
4:37:15 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked about the potential for open access
to energy and whether there are plans to provide energy to the
regions of Bethel and Dillingham.
4:37:31 PM
MS. WOOLSTON replied that it is Donlin's intention to provide
natural gas to the region, which is why the natural gas pipeline
was built larger than needed. The pipeline is open access,
allowing for potential supply to communities. However, current
infrastructure limits connections along the route. There is one
compressor station along the way with the ability to offload
gas, but many communities still rely on diesel generators and
lack infrastructure to tie into the natural gas pipeline. They
are investing in large scale studies to explore extending power
from the on-site power plant, which won't need its entire load.
This presents a real potential for regional energy development.
4:38:58 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI inquired about Donlin's planned production
start date and the estimated duration for building the gas
pipeline.
4:39:13 PM
MS. WOOLSTON offered to answer the question by speaking to a
future slide. She moved to slide 8, showcasing a timeline of the
permitting schedule. The timeline for Donlin's project is
currently driven by permitting and ongoing state and federal
litigation. The dam safety permit process is highly iterative,
expected to take about two more years, with approximately 12 to
18 months remaining. Several state permits are under appeal by
Earthjustice and (Orutsararmiut Native Council) ONC, but the
project has been successful at each appeal stage. The federal
litigation concerning permits has just begun, with briefs and
supporting party interventions due in the next two weeks, likely
extending the timeline by another two years. All these
permitting challenges must be resolved before a construction go
decision can be made.
4:40:43 PM
MS. WOOLSTON moved back to slide 6 and presented an aerial view
of the communities in the Chukchi region along the Kuskoquim
River, highlighting the project's location in Alaska. The Donlin
Gold Board approved a nearly $29 million budget for 2024, which
includes funding for additional resource modeling, mine planning
work, metallurgical testing, and a pilot plant. The budget also
allocates resources for dam safety liner testing and other site
work such as hydrology and geoscience studies. For the past 15
years, the project has conducted collaborative aquatic studies,
including water quality and fish studies, in partnership with
local tribes and the Native Corporation to explore potential
fish projects. Additionally, the team is excited about habitat
restoration efforts at Snow Gulch, an area historically impacted
by mining, which includes reopening a salmon stream that had
been closed for years. The project continues to assess the
management of salmon fisheries within the Kuskokwim River
watersheds and is actively identifying specific project
opportunities in that area.
4:42:10 PM
MS. WOOLSTON moved to slide 7, demonstrating a bubble plot
highlighting, "opportunities to speak out." She spoke to the
importance of transparency and engagement. She noted her
involvement with the project over the past 25 years, returning
five years ago after pursuing other careers. She highlighted the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, which spanned
approximately six and a half years and included around 500
meetings, consultations, community meetings, public hearings,
and public comment opportunities in collaboration with federal
agencies, Native Corporation landowners, and community partners.
The slide featured an open house held at the Alaska Federation
of Natives (AFN), showcasing the project's commitment to
transparency. The EIS is accessible to the public, with ongoing
updates as part of standard procedures. Notably, improvements
have been made, such as removing mercury as a consideration in
the EIS. Progress has been made regarding concerns initially
raised about the project, with assurances that it will not
impact local fish populations. This is particularly significant
as the Native Corporation landowners believe that development
can coexist with the preservation of fish resources, leading to
encouragement regarding the EIS and the continued efforts being
made.
4:44:02 PM
MS. WOOLSTON moved to slide 9 and spoke to local hiring
commitments. She emphasized the importance of quick local
hiring, noting it as a commitment that benefits both the
communities and the project. This past year, representatives
from 24 communities contributed to the workforce, with peak
shareholder hiring reaching as high as 90 percent. The project
operates with a rotational workforce model of two weeks on and
two weeks off, which was adjusted during the pandemic to
accommodate testing times. She expressed satisfaction with the
workforce and said that several community members have advanced
within the project to roles such as operators and management
positions. This progress is achieved through collaboration with
the local communities and the Native Corporation.
4:44:52 PM
MS. WOOLSTON briefly moved to slide 10 and presented a list of
contract and employment opportunities.
4:45:07 PM
MS. WOOLSTON moved to slide 11 and spoke to the 2023 Kuskokwim
River & Yukon River Backhaul:
[Original punctuation provided.]
2023 Kuskokwim River & Yukon River Backhaul
• All 62 YK communities have participated since 2018
• 10 YK villages served in 2023
• Yukon served for the first time!
• 10 Fish Camps
• 449 appliances collected in 2023 (1st time)
• 22 Conex containers filled & shipped for recycling
• 200,000 lbs. collected in 2023 alone
• Since 2018, 620,000 lbs. waste removed from YK region
• 6th year for in-person Bethel collection event
PARTNERS: AVCP, Fox Air, Delta Backhaul, AC Co., Grant
Aviation, multiple tribes, Native Village of Napaimute
MS. WOOLSTON addressed a recent inquiry from a Senate committee
regarding the backhaul program implemented in the region and
referred to Ms. Pokon's discussion on lined landfills in the
communities, emphasizing that this initiative is one of the
projects they have been actively working on for decades. This
initiative, which has been ongoing for the past six years,
focuses on keeping communities clean by removing waste,
including over 600,000 pounds of household e-waste, appliances,
and fuel drums. In partnering with the Napaimute tribe, the
program has enabled the purchase of two vessels, enhancing their
economic opportunities on the Kuskokwim River and extending
efforts to the Yukon River and fish camps. These camps typically
bring in various materials, with the only return being garbage
and fish. The collected waste is sent to Anchorage or Seattle
for proper recycling and disposal, although this is a cost
center with no financial gain from recycling efforts. Rural
Alaska backhaul is notably expensive but remains a worthy
pursuit. Collaborating with various entities, including the ADCP
and local tribes across 56 communities in the Calista region and
four in the Doyon region, she expressed excitement about the
success of this region-wide effort and highlighted a recent
meeting with the Denali Commission to share insights on the
program.
4:46:40 PM
MS. WOOLSTON moved to slide 12, depicting photographs of
community participation to remove backhaul. She discussed the
economic opportunities on the Cosmic Wind River and mentioned
Donlin's expansion into the Yukon River, where they are now
working in fish camps. In these camps, many materials are
brought in, but typically, only garbage is taken out along with
hopefully some fish. Waste is sent to Anchorage or Seattle for
proper recycling and disposal, noting that while this initiative
is a cost center, it is a necessary pursuit. Addressing a recent
inquiry about potential profits from recycling, she clarified
that there is little financial gain to be made in rural Alaska,
as backhaul operations are quite expensive. She emphasized the
collaboration with various entities in the region, including
ABCP and local tribes, covering all 56 communities in the
Chugach region and four in the Doyon region. Partnerships with
Fox Air, Grand Aviation, and multiple tribes have facilitated
the transportation and packaging of materials for shipment. She
expressed excitement about their region-wide efforts and noted a
recent meeting with the Denali Commission to share insights on
their successful initiatives.
4:47:31 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP acknowledged the previous discussions around the
E-waste bill, noting its overwhelming nature. He remarked that
the information presented seemed directly aligned with the
bill's objectives, emphasizing its relevance for the future. He
commended Ms. Woolston and her team for successfully managing
the removal of 626,000 pounds of waste in real-time.
4:48:02 PM
MS. WOOLSTON expressed that the project has been an incredible
opportunity, including the experience of working with the tribes
during the summer months in the communities.
4:48:23 PM
SENATOR KAUFMAN asked whether other minerals are being explored
in addition to gold.
4:48:32 PM
MS. WOOLSTON clarified that the deposit is currently a pure gold
play but the assessment of the deposit is continuing. She noted
that while the team continues to look and assess the resource,
it is currently focused solely on gold extraction.
4:49:42 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Co-Chair Bishop adjourned the Senate Resources Standing
Committee meeting at 4:49 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| DEC Commissioner Designee Emma Pokon Resume.pdf |
SRES 4/3/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Presentation Donlin Update 4.3.2024.pdf |
SRES 4/3/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Presentation Graphite One Update 04.03.2024.pdf |
SRES 4/3/2024 3:30:00 PM |