Two more tribes in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta passed resolutions in the past month against the proposed Donlin gold mine, which would be one of the biggest in the world if developed.
The Chuloonawick tribe in Emmonak passed a resolution against Donlin on June 27, roughly a week after the Bethel ONC tribe marched against the project. Chuloonawick is the first tribe on the Yukon River to take a stance against the proposed gold mine. The project would be located near the Kuskokwim River.
The tribe declined to comment on the resolution.
In the resolution, Chuloonawick cites concerns about the mine’s impacts to fish habitat and potential contamination from its operations. The tribe also signed on to a recent letter sent to Gov. Bill Walker that protested the mine. Earthjustice, a national environmental organization, also sent a letter on behalf of four tribes, including Chuloonawick, asking the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to deny a crucial permit for Donlin.
Meanwhile, Nunapitchuk is another tribe on the Kuskokwim River formally opposing the project. Its resolution against Donlin is similar to others that have passed recently. The tribe fears that the mine will hurt its subsistence lifestyle and raised concerns over potential health risks.
Nunapitchuk's tribal office did not return multiple phone calls about the resolution.
So far, eight tribes in the Y-K Delta formally oppose the Donlin mine; there are 56 tribes in the region. Donlin Gold, the company developing the mine, says that in light of the recent anti-Donlin resolutions, it will work harder to address concerns and “misconceptions” about the project.