Wishbone Hill: Opportunity for Mat-Su

Mat-Su residents have asked many questions about Usibelli Coal Mine’s potential mining project at Wishbone Hill near Sutton. Usibelli Coal Mine, or UCM, is committed to ensuring the public has accurate and timely information as this project continues to move forward.

The Sutton area is steeped in a long history of coal mining, dating back to the early 1900s. Roughly 7 million tons of coal was extracted from 18 mines during the 20th century. The federal government, as well as private enterprises, has repeatedly conducted exploration and mining activities within the coal reserve areas. UCM has worked diligently since 1997 to develop Wishbone Hill, conducting exploration and environmental research.

UCM is a fourth-generation, family owned business operated by Alaskans. The company has mined coal near Healy since 1943. UCM employs about 130 Alaskans and provides ultra-low sulfur, clean-burning coal for six electric power plants in Alaska and also exports it abroad to customers in Chile, Japan and South Korea.

The Wishbone Hill project is the subject of an ongoing feasibility study, and UCM will not make a decision about proceeding with mining until this is completed. The feasibility research has included the construction of an exploration trail to the property and limited confirmation drilling and sampling to better understand the geology and coal quality in specific areas. The study will also include analysis of transportation options, including a test shipment of coal from Port MacKenzie, updates to project permits and gathering environmental information.

UCM uses modern mining techniques to ensure work is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. For Usibelli’s existing mining operations in Healy, the company is required to meet the conditions of more than 55 environmental permits.

The state and federal governments heavily regulate coal mining in Alaska. The Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) and the Clean Air Act were created for the purpose of protecting public health and the environment. Coalmines must meet strict guidelines for keeping the air clean (minimizing dust), protecting water resources (including local streams, ground water, water bodies and residential water supplies) and protecting vegetation as well as wildlife habitat by restoring previously mined lands to natural habitat.

In Alaska, Usibelli began actively restoring mine lands long before the federal government required it. After mining work is complete, the land is reclaimed to a natural contour and planted with native grasses and trees. UCM’s reclamation plan for Wishbone Hill has two primary goals:

1. return the area to productive moose habitat.

2. provide recreational access to the Mat-Valley Moose Range.

Development of the Wishbone Hill mine has the potential to bring many economic benefits for Mat-Su. New tax revenues will be generated to help support schools and many other public services. In addition, UCM estimates that at full production the Wishbone Hill mine would create between 75 and 125 good-paying jobs. UCM is currently the largest employer in the community of Healy, which has one of the highest average per-capita incomes in Alaska.

UCM has operated in Healy for nearly 70 years at a location just 10 miles north of the entrance to Denali National Park. An operating coalmine close to the most popular tourist destination in Alaska has not deterred visitors.

UCM has a proven track record as a responsible resource developer and honorable corporate citizen. There are employees who are second, third, even fourth generation workers. Usibelli hopes to continue its record by responsibly developing the resources at Wishbone Hill and remaining vigilant in protecting people and the environment.

For more information about Usibelli Coal Mine or Wishbone Hill, visit usibelli.com.

Lorali Carter is the external affairs manager for Usibelli Coal Mine.