Summary
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, and exploration was funded through a Japanese conglomerate called ITOCHU. In November 2013, ITOCHU withdrew from the project.
Although still in the 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.
Current status
Exploration is ongoing, with $3.5 million budgeted for the 2013 season. The withdrawal of the funding partner in late 2013 makes the future of this project uncertain.
Further Reading
Created: Jan. 19, 2018