| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The proposed Tulsequah Chief Mine is located in British Columbia, Canada, on the Tulsequah River near its confluence with the Taku River, approximately 31 km from where the Taku River crosses the U.S./Canada border. The region contains three inactive mines: Tulsequah and New Polaris on the Tulsequah River, and Big Bull on the Taku River a short distance upstream of the confluence of the two rivers. The Taku River flows across the U.S./Canada border and empties into Taku Inlet, in the U.S. The Tulsequah and Taku valleys were explored for minerals, especially gold, as early as late 1800s; polymetalic massive sulfide deposits were reported in the late 1920s. In 1937, the Polaris-Taku Mine was brought into production, followed by the Tulsequah Chief Mine. All hardrock mining in this region was suspended in the 1950s. Since the late 1980s, various mining companies have considered reopening the Tulsequah, New Polaris and Big Bull Mines. A number of environmental assessment, water quality and hydrologic studies have been conducted to support the reactivation of mining in this region. At the time of this report, the mining sites are undergoing exploration and delineation of the ore deposits; an airstrip and local access road have been constructed. There is existing acid rock drainage from early mining; it emanates primarily from abandoned waste rock piles and exposed rock surfaces. Acid rock drainage and associated metals leach into the Tulsequah River and may affect aquatic populations, including spawning and rearing anadromous fish. The Taku-Tulsequah Drainage is an important transboundary system that supports 21 fish species, including all five species of Pacific salmon. The Taku River has been identified as the largest salmon producing river system in Southeast Alaska. The objective of this report is to provide supporting information to resource agencies for future review and permitting of hard rock mines in the Taku-Tulsequah Drainage. The document contains three sections: A description of the mineral resources and past mining; a summary of resource information on hydrology, water quality and fish and wildlife; and identification of information needs and recommendations for long-term environmental monitoring. |
