As surface owner of the land on which the Donlin Gold mine is proposed, The Kuskokwim Corp. finds it imperative that any development on our land be carried out in a thoughtful manner that safeguards our shareholders' way of life. Over the past 12 years as CEO of TKC, I have developed a close working relationship with Donlin Gold, and I can say my experience with them has been undeniably positive.
With the recent release of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Donlin Gold draft environmental impact statement for public comment, the proposed project has been an increasing topic of discussion. Therefore, I would like to take the time to discuss Donlin Gold's great efforts toward listening to shareholders to fully understand what a safe project means to Kuskokwim residents.
Donlin Gold has conducted numerous informational meetings throughout our corporation's 10 villages to communicate project details and hear feedback from residents. When we voiced concerns over the number of barges traveling up and down the Kuskokwim River, Donlin Gold heard us and restructured their plan, which now includes the construction of a buried natural gas pipeline that offers a solution by significantly reducing the amount of fuel to be barged to support the project.
The construction of the Donlin Gold mine, as well as corresponding infrastructures such as the pipeline, also bring significant job opportunities to the Kuskokwim region, one of the poorest areas in Alaska. During operation, the mine could offer up to 3,000 jobs and between 600 to 1,200 high-paying, full-time jobs during the mine's estimated 27-plus years of operation. With some of our villages lacking running water, an economic stimulus that provides a new and sustainable source of revenue is worthy of consideration.
Revenue benefits are not solely limited to those living in the TKC villages. Calista Corp. shareholders, who own subsurface rights where the project is located, will also benefit greatly from increased revenue opportunities. Additionally, through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act's 7(i) and 7(j) revenue sharing provisions, a portion of revenue from mine operations would be shared between Alaska Native corporations. To further benefit those in the region, Donlin Gold is contractually obligated to offer a local hire preference, and has demonstrated their commitment to this through their 90 percent Native-hire rate during exploration.
While job and revenue opportunities are of high importance, they are weighted equally with the protection of our land and our way of life. Many are concerned over the possible environmental impacts a new mine could bring after experiencing carelessness from other mines such as Red Devil. Donlin Gold is a mine of a different breed, however, and has made sustainability -- as well as environmental responsibility during construction, operations and closure -- key priorities. Donlin Gold is the only large mine in Alaska to propose a synthetic liner under the entire tailings facility, an added precaution to prevent leaching. Donlin Gold also has stated that when operations cease, environmental monitoring and protection will not. The mine has a stringent reclamation plan and proposes onsite monitoring of the water far beyond operations. Additionally, Donlin Gold will be required by the state of Alaska to have financial assurances in place to fund reclamation, re-vegetation and protection of the land.
Our shareholders have already seen great benefits by working with Donlin Gold through job training during exploration, through funding of scholarships and numerous community efforts. Agreements between TKC and Donlin Gold provide TKC's 10 villages with a strong financial future, viable opportunities of employment, and opportunities for ongoing input.
As a mine that focuses on environmental responsibility, meaningful dialogue with communities, job opportunities and economic stimulus for one of the poorest regions in the entire state, Donlin Gold has TKC's full support. To show our support, TKC has strongly recommended to the Army Corps that Donlin Gold move forward with alternative No. 2.
The Army Corps of Engineers' five-month public comment period on the project is scheduled to close April 30. I encourage all stakeholders to make their comments on the potential Donlin Gold mine. Your voice helps determine the path of both the Donlin Gold project and the Kuskokwim region. Your written comments on the project can be submitted at donlingoldeis.com/Comment.aspx.
Maver Carey is president and CEO of The Kuskokwim Corp. She is of Yup'ik Eskimo and Athabascan Indian descent, with family ties to Aniak. She is a shareholder of TKC and has been with the company for 21 years, serving in a variety of positions before becoming president/CEO in 2003.
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