The Tongass has a long history of mineral extraction with mines producing gold, silver, platinum, copper, zinc, lead, and uranium.  Currently, the scale of modern mining operations in the Tongass far exceeds any historical activity including the period of the Klondike Gold Rush. 

SEACC and Mining in Southeast Alaska

Our efforts on other Southeast Issues

The 1872 Mining Law assures access and development on all public lands to mining as a “best use”, regardless of the impacts to other forest uses. Historic mining claims on lands that were later designated as Wilderness or National Monuments may still be developed even though staking new claims are prohibited.

One of America’s largest operating silver mines is located on Admiralty Island National Monument. According to a 2008 Toxic Release Inventory by Environmental Protection Agency, Greens Creek Mine was the second largest producer of toxic waste in Alaska.

SEACC works to assure that any current or proposed mining activity in the Tongass is done in an open public forum providing opportunity and tools to people that may be negatively impacted. 

The State of Alaska has never denied a permit for a mine development, so SEACC also speaks for the world-class forest, fish and wildlife that people in Southeast Alaska depend on for their unique quality of life.