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Comments on the Renewal of Road Permits for the Pogo Mine November 7, 2019 Mr. David Hite Submitted via email to [email protected] Re: Renewal of previously issued authorizations for controlled access roads, communications facilities, and utilities. Dear Mr. Hite: The Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC) is writing to urge your timely renewal and reissuance of ADL 416809: Private Exclusive Easement – Mining Road Right-of-Way; ADL 416817: Private Exclusive Easement – Utility Line Right-of-Way; ADL 417247: Private Non-Exclusive Easement – Communication Tower Access; and, ADL 421276: Restricted Use Management Agreement for road during mine life permits for the Pogo Mine (Pogo), operated by Northern Star Resources, LLC. RDC is a statewide business association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s oil and gas, mining, forest products, tourism and fisheries industries. RDC’s membership includes Alaska Native Corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources. It is a priority of RDC to encourage the expansion and increased production from existing deposits as well as new exploration and responsible development of Alaska’s mineral resources. These permits will allow Pogo to continue operations. The Pogo Mine Access Road was constructed in 2004, and the mine began operating in 2006. Since operation began, Pogo has demonstrated a high standard for environmental stewardship. The Pogo Mine adds to the State of Alaska economy as a whole, making significant annual payments to the state, including corporate taxes, the mining license tax, and royalty payments for mining on state land. In addition to the local and statewide benefits, Pogo has direct spending with Alaska businesses of around $132 million annually. Thank you for the opportunity to comment in support of these important permits. Sincerely,
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