Tangle Lakes/MAN Prospect

Summary

Tangle Lakes Area

A river in the Tangle Lakes Area

source: Northern Alaska Environmental Center (2007). Copyright held by photographer.

The MAN project (also known as the Tangle Lakes project) is a large collection of nickel-copper-platinum mining leases spread over 173,000 acres of land in Southcentral Alaska, about 100 miles south of Fairbanks.  The project area overlaps parts of the Delta Wild and Scenic River Corridor, as well as part of the Tangle Lakes Archeological Area.  Since 2007, the small Canadian mining company Pure Nickel Inc. has held the mining leases, funding exploration through a Japanese conglomerate called ITOCHU.

Although still in the very early stages of exploration, this project has already encountered significant local opposition because of the proximity of the numerous claims to important wildlife habitats, archeological sites, and recreation areas.  Efforts are underway to create a state wildlife refuge, which would protect the most historically and ecologically important lands within the mining leases.

Tangle Lakes Recreation

A Recreation Area at Tangle Lakes

source: Northern Alaska Environmental Center (2007). Copyright held by photographer.

Current status

During the summer of 2010, Pure Nickel Inc. has been conducting exploratory drilling at two different sites within the project area.  Results of this drilling will be factored into a future decision to formally quantify the resource.

Date Created: Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:51:41 -0800

Last Modified: Sun, 9 Jan 2011 02:25:36 -0900