Protect Norton Sound
In Elim, Panther Minerals is threatening to develop uranium mining along the headwaters of the Tubutulik River. Outside of Nome, Canadian owned Graphite One is trying to build a major graphite mine, located at the base of the Kigluiak Mountains in the Imuruk Basin. Both of these mines would threaten necessary subsistence hunting and fishing, as well as threaten sacred sites.
Elim Students Against Uranium gathered on May 17 to protest a potential mining development to the north of Elim along the Tubutulik River. Among the crowd holding a sign first used at mining protests in 2007 was Emily Murray, an Elim resident who contributed to water studies in 2014. (Credit: KNOM Radio Mission )
Photo Credit: KNOM Radio Mission
“I’m worried about the noise impact, it would push away mammals; moose, caribou, bear, all of the species that we hunt. Not just community members of Nome, but Brevig and Teller, and that’s a huge part of their life and survival. We don’t have big stores, especially in the villages to get meat and veggies. We get a lot of our plants and meat from the land.”
“we are defined by economists as a ‘subsistence economy with a cash over-lay.’ This new mining company plans to expand their exploration activities even beyond those of the original ones. Turning our river into a uranium mining district will completely destroy our way of life.”
Overarching issues:
Water use associated with mining exploration will have a significant impact on fish and wildlife populations.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) has issued Temporary Water Use Authorizations (TWUAs) to mining companies that use enormous amounts of water. For example, ADNR has authorized Panther Minerals to pump 10.9 million gallons of water each summer for five years from four streams in the headwaters of the Tubutulik River from June-October. In addition, DNR consistently re-issues TWUAs to Graphite One that authorize the company to pump up to 65,000 gallons per day from small salmon streams during the summer months.
Background on Panther Minerals and Uranium mining in Elim, AK:
Panther Minerals Inc. recently started exploring for uranium at the headwaters of the Tubutulik River Watershed about 160 km east of Nome.
On May 30, 2024, the Native Village of Elim has passed a resolution seeking government to government consultation in regards to Panther Minerals’ Boulder Creek uranium exploration program. The resolution notes that the village of less than 400 people “depends on salmon to sustain its cultural, traditional, and economic well-being and way of life.”
Background on Graphite One:
The Graphite One Mine is in the feasibility study phase of a major graphite mine that would be located at the base of the sacred Kigluiak Mountains in the Imuruk Basin housing the largest known graphite deposit in the United States.
The deposit spans about 10 miles along the Kigluaik Mountain range. If permitted, construction is planned to begin in 2027, with production starting by 2029.
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