BLM: Exploration can expand near Alaska eagle preserve

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The Canadian company exploring for copper, zinc and gold upstream of a southeast Alaska bald eagle preserve has received permission from a federal agency to expand.

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. is exploring upstream of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve outside Haines.

The preserve sees the world's largest gathering of bald eagles in early winter. Up to 4,000 of the raptors fly in to feed on salmon that spawn, die and collect along the Chilkat River after other waterways have frozen.

Mine critics say it's unreasonable to allow a mine - and the threat of contaminated wastewater spill or other consequences - so close to the Chilkat.

Mine officials have spent millions on the project but say it's too soon to determine whether the prospect will be developed. Constantine has financial backing from Japan's Dowa Metals & Mining Co. for the prospect about 35 miles northwest of Haines.

The BLM received 173 comment letters and analyzed concerns regarding exploration's effects on water quality, fish, wildlife and other resources.

The extended exploration plan proposes up to 2.5 miles of additional road to stage equipment and facilities. The proposed road, according to the BLM, will give Constantine access to as many as 40 new exploration drill sites.

Darwin Green, vice president of exploration, in May said a decision on production, and the possible configuration of a mine, is years off. Alaska's stringent regulations and laws would protect the environment if a mine is built, he said.

Gershon Cohen, an environmental activist in Haines, said the BLM decision reflects a piecemeal approach to oversight - allowing small expansions without looking at overall "down-the-road consequences."

"We know where this is leading," Cohen said Friday. "They want to make these changes and make these expansions to lead to the development of a full mining project."

Agencies should be taking a broader approach to the consequences of a hard rock mine above such an important salmon river before years of momentum are built up in favor of development, Cohen said.