This page provides access to important documents regarding the Palmer VMS Mine as well as other hardrock mines. We include a brief summary of each document in chronological order.
Palmer VMS Mine
Plan of Operations - Phase II Underground Operation 2019
Summary: This document describes Phase II of a two phase exploration plan. The second phase described here includes(but is not limited to) constructing an underground ramp (tunnel), constructing two settling ponds, and continuing drilling. The document was prepared for three entities: (1) the Mental Health Trust Land Office, (2) the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR), and (3) the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADNC). A decision has not yet been made.
Plan of Operations - Phase I Surface Construction, 2018
Summary: This document describes Phase I of a two phase exploration plan. The first phase described here includes extending an access road, constructing two settling ponds, excavating for a water disposal system, and avalanche deflection systems. The document was prepared for three entities: (1) the Mental Health Trust Land Office, (2) the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR), and (3) the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADNC) who ultimately approved the project.
Environmental Assessment, 2016
Summary: This document submitted to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) by Constantine Metals Ltd. served as a permit request to expand exploration activities from their previous Notice of Mineral Exploration Activities. This document includes extensive information about exploration activities and environmental protections set in place. BLM approved this project.
Studies of Other Mines
Comparison of Predicted and Actual Water Quality at Hardrock Mines: The Reliability of Predictions in Environmental Impact Statements
Summary: This scientific paper examines the reliability of water quality predictions made by hardrock mines during the pre-mining phase. The study compared Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) water quality predictions from 25 hardrock mines with the actual water quality samples. The study found that 36% of the mines developed acid drainage and 88.9 % of those mines had either underestimated or ignored the potential for acid drainage in their EIS.
Takeaway: Other mining examples suggest that water quality predictions often underestimate the actual quantity of acid drainage.
