Opposition Grows Over Chilkat Valley Mining Permit Extension

The following is courtgesy of Chilkat Forever and Chilkat Indian Village:

Chilkat Forever strongly opposes premature Constantine permit extension

CIV, supporters urge DNR to ensure Chilkat Valley residents’ voices are heard

November 5, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KLUKWAN, AK— Chilkat Forever, a collaborative effort led by Chilkat Indian Village (Klukwan) Tribal Council, strongly urges the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to reject Constantine’s request for a premature extension of the current permit until 2033. Constantine’s permit for exploration does not expire until Dec. 31, 2028, more than two years from now. Constantine recently, however, filed for a permit extension until Dec. 31, 2033. The request comes in the waning days of the administration of Governor Mike Dunleavy, who has prioritized foreign mining corporations, including Vizsla Copper, the Palmer Project’s owner.

“We’re a little confused to be honest. Why is the company extending their permit now? What’s the rush at this point? Why did DNR, who received this letter on August 24, 2026, only give the public a two-week window to comment on this extension request?” said Chilkat Indian Village President Kimberley Strong. “Constantine has not provided a lot of information to justify their request other than that they envision it will take more time. We deserve more information from our state government and the corporations operating in our lands and waters.”

“Hundreds of Chilkat Valley residents stand with the Chilkat Indian Village in opposition to the Palmer Project, which threatens the clean water, hunting and fishing, and wild stock salmon we all rely on. We urge the Department of Natural Resources to reject Constantine’s request and not to silence Alaskans by rushing this permit renewal through years ahead of schedule,” said Strong.

Constantine Mining LLC and Constantine North, the applicants for the premature Palmer Project permit renewal, are owned by Vizsla Copper Corporation.

In 2023, over 187 Chilkat Valley community members requested an extension on the public comment period for an expansion of this permit, indicative of the wide level of concern about this project, and of residents’ desire not to be cut out of the process.

Constantine has failed to answer an open letter CIV issued in July, which has now gathered signatures of support from more than 200 Alaskans. The request is for critical information regarding plans to address potentially acid-generating drill cuttings and the resulting risks to surface and groundwater quality. 

DNR’s deadline for comments is Friday November 6 at 5 p.m. Alaska time.

Chilkat Indian Village (Klukwan) is the steward of Jil?áat Aani ?a Héeni (Chilkat River Watershed) since time immemorial. “Tlákw Aan” (Klukwan) translates to “Eternal Village” or “The Village That Has Always Been.” Klukwan is located in the upper Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska just 18 miles south of the Canadian border and 22 miles north by road from Haines, AK. The people of Klukwan rely directly on the land, river, and all that the watershed provides to uphold its traditional way of life. 

Chilkat Forever is a collaborative group led by the Chilkat Indian Village Tribal Council. It works to keep the Chilkat River pristine and full of fish — forever.