APMA F20269406 - A Placer Mining Application Within the Fairbanks Mining District - Banner Creek

This public notice announces the Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ receipt of a Multi‑Agency Application for Permits to Mine in Alaska (APMA) for a mechanical placer mining project at Banner Creek in the Fairbanks Mining District. The applicants—Ron Simkiss, Randy Rice, and Craig Lambert—seek approval for a Plan of Operation, reclamation, and associated land‑use permits covering sections 10 and 15, Township 7 S, Range 7 E, Fairbanks Meridian. The proposed activity runs from the date of authorization issuance through December 31, 2030, with a seasonal operating window of May 1 to Oct 30 each year. The DNR is soliciting public comments and questions, which must be submitted by August 31, 2026. The notice also outlines required equipment, water use, spill prevention, and environmental compliance (APDES, Corps 404, water‑use authorizations). • Mechanical placer mining with excavator, bulldozer, loader, dump truck, wash plant, generators, and camp trailers. • Estimated processing of 45,000 cubic yards of material per year. • Seasonal operation May 1 – Oct 30; total project life up to 2030. • Required permits: APMA, APDES (Mechanical Placer Miners GP), Corps of Engineers 404, water‑use authorizations, spill‑prevention plans. • Public comment deadline: August 31, 2026 (5 PM AST). • Contact for comments: Willow‑Creek Feighery, (907) 458‑6885, [email protected].