Donlin Gold has been a hot topic of conversation given the recent release of the project's draft environmental impact statement (EIS) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Much of the general public is becoming aware of the project and familiarizing themselves on its attributes for the first time. But for those who call the Yukon-Kuskokwim region home, and for Calista Corp. shareholders and descendants, Donlin Gold has been an ever-present entity, topic of conversation and ally for the past 20 years.
As stewards of the land and owners of the resources, we do not take such a significant project lightly. Under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Calista is mandated to responsibly develop our shareholders' natural resources to improve their socio-economic lives.
Donlin Gold has taken great strides in planning a responsible project, continuously working with Calista board members, and undergoing extensive environmental baseline studies since 1996. They have also held numerous meetings to hear stakeholders' thoughts while determining the economic and environmental feasibility of the project.
Donlin Gold's proposed project is a culmination of the extensive research performed in conjunction with input from stakeholders, whose voices were key in shaping the project. In the past, many expressed concern over the amount of proposed barge traffic on the Kuskokwim River. An underground natural gas pipeline was introduced as a solution, significantly reducing the amount of barge traffic and fuel barged to the proposed development.
Donlin Gold has also made it a priority to incorporate industry-leading technology. It will be the first large mine in Alaska to use a synthetic liner underneath its entire tailings impoundment.
During a time when oil revenue is dissipating at an alarming rate; Permanent Fund dividends face reduction, limitations or elimination; and funding in the Calista region continues to be cut, an environmentally responsible project offers a beacon of hope to our region, which is economically the poorest in the state.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports the Calista region has some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, yet our energy rate, and food and transportation costs are some of the highest. The situation is far more grim than the unemployment rates even portray, as to be considered unemployed you have to be actively seeking a job.
Through ANCSA's 7(i) and 7(j) revenue sharing provisions, the Donlin Gold project will provide revenue to all Alaska Native regional and village corporations, including Calista. The Donlin Gold project offers an opportunity to satisfy the intent of ANCSA to benefit all Native corporations in this struggling state economy and a much-needed infusion of cash into the village corporations in the Y-K Delta.
Calista has ownership of mineral rights in the proposed mining area, and Donlin Gold has ensured hiring preferences for qualified Calista shareholders, descendants and their spouses, and bidders' contracting preference for Calista subsidiaries. An estimated 3,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project, which is anticipated to last three to four years. As it moves forward into the 27-year operation phase, 600 to 1,200 high-paying, full-time jobs will exist because of the Donlin Gold mine. Donlin Gold's 90 percent local hire record during the exploration period serves as a testimony to its commitment to hiring locals.
When discussing socio-economics and subsistence, many split the two subjects. However, the people of the land are those best qualified to speak on subsistence. They know the topics of socio-economics and subsistence cannot be separated, for without a source of income, we cannot afford a subsistence way of life, a life that, to the surprise of many, is not cost-free.
The modern day supplies required to hunt, fish and gather all have a price. Gas, snowmachines and ATVs are all equipment and supplies we rely on to practice subsistence, and they are often supplies the people of the Calista region cannot afford without jobs.
As a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace with an emphasis on work safety, Donlin provides the region the possibility of less substance abuse, a potential borne out during the exploration phase of the project when many of our shareholders and descendants became eligible for hire after initially failing drug and alcohol tests.
We cannot afford to say no to an environmentally responsible project like the Donlin Gold mine, which will improve our quality of life and provide ample jobs, a strong financial future and viable opportunities where there are none.
Calista Corp. and its board of directors strongly support and recommend that Donlin Gold move forward with development of our land and encourage the public to submit comments in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' draft EIS alternative No. 2.
If you have questions or concerns, I encourage you to gather the facts. Visit donlingold.com and read the project description book and watch the project overview. Your written comments on the project can be submitted at donlingoldeis.com/Comment.aspx.
Andrew Guy is president and CEO of Calista Corp. Born and raised in the village of Napaskiak, Guy began his career with Calista as an intern in a subsidiary doing financial analysis. He later served as vice president with Yulista Management Services, and eventually joined the Calista executive team as general counsel. He became CEO in 2010.
The views expressed here are the writer's own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary@alaskadispatch.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@alaskadispatch.com or click here to submit via any Web browser.