PURPOSE: Aurquest Alaska Incorporated's stated purpose is to produce commercial quantities of precious metals from two locations on private lands. Also extend stream diversion from 1,500 feet to a total length of 2,200 feet.
PROPOSED WORK: The applicant proposes to discharge approximately 26,130 cubic yards (cy) of material into approximately 1.9 acres of wetlands and stream riparian areas as part of a 8.9 acre mining operation. The proposed work would recover precious metals from shallow alluvial deposits at two locations by reworking old mine tailings and areas that have been previously disturbed by earlier mining activities. Place two smaller excavations in previously disturbed, but unmined locations along the south bank (right-limit) to collect and process large bulk samples. Excavate smaller trenches or drill small diameter holes at ten locations to explore and prospect for additional alluvial precious metal deposits. Construct a stream bypass approximately 2,200 feet long along the north bank of Coffee Creek to protect the stream from mining activities related to reprocessing old mine tailings on the valley floor. Conduct reclamation of the valley floor, bulk sample pits, and prospecting sites after applicant's mining activities are completed. All work would be performed in accordance with the enclosed plan (sheets 1-18), dated January 24, 2017.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Historical Information: The valley floor of Coffee Creek was extensively mined by mechanical methods in the period preceding WW2 and at various times after the war. Proposed new mining will take place in areas that have been previously mined or prospected by the earlier miners and prospectors. Exploration with small trenches or drill holes will take place in areas that have yet to be prospected in advance of larger excavations. Previous to 2016 construction, Coffee Creek flowed through a sparsely vegetated floodplain of old mine tailings in a channel from 3 to 12 feet wide and from several inches to 12 inches deep.
POA-2016-433, Coffee Creek, APMA 9067_