Anchorage, AK — Alaska Peninsula Corporation (APC) announces that it has reached an agreement with the Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP) to provide transportation corridor access across APC lands to support construction and operation of the proposed Pebble mine.
The long-term agreement represents an important step forward for both companies in responsibly advancing the Pebble Project. APC will receive annual toll payments and other fees paid by Pebble prior to and during project construction and operation. The parties have also agreed to negotiate a profit sharing agreement that will ensure APC and its shareholders benefit directly from the profits generated by mining activity in the region.
Further, APC and several of its villages (Kokhanok and Newhalen) will benefit from the construction of new infrastructure in the Lake Iliamna region through lower costs for power, equipment and supplies, as well as enhanced economic activity. Importantly, APC has negotiated ‘Preferred Contractor’ status with PLP, which provides a preferential opportunity to bid on Pebble-related contracts on APC lands.
“Among our leading priorities as an Alaska Native corporation is to manage and develop our lands responsibly, in a manner that creates employment opportunities for our shareholders but also respects our subsistence values and culture,” said Brad Angasan, APC’s spokesman and Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “That’s exactly what this deal represents for APC, as well as securing us an important seat at the table as the Pebble Project advances.”
Angasan said APC and PLP have worked together for many years, forging a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship. He said the APC board believes a responsibly designed and operated mine at Pebble can make a positive long-term contribution to the lives and well-being of APC shareholders and villages.
“We have faith in the federal and state regulatory and permitting process that is currently evaluating Pebble’s proposed project,” Angasan said. “If Pebble can be permitted, and it is demonstrated that clean water, healthy fisheries and other important natural and subsistence resources will be protected, then APC will support the Pebble mine and stand beside PLP as a partner in its development.”
Under the terms of the agreement, APC has granted Pebble a secure right to use defined portions of APC lands in the future development of transportation infrastructure (including roads, pipelines, ferry landing sites and related land uses) if the proposed mine is successfully permitted and proceeds to construction and operations.
Angasan noted that APC is closely monitoring the permitting process initiated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers earlier this year.
“We believe that state and federal regulators will fairly evaluate the Pebble Project to ensure that important environmental issues like clean water and healthy fisheries are fully protected,” he said. “If this can be demonstrated, APC will support the mine and participate as a partner with Pebble in this important opportunity for our region.”
Angasan said APC has seen the direct benefit to its shareholders from jobs and contracting opportunities provided by Pebble during its exploration phase. “If this project can be built and operated safely, we want to ensure our shareholders benefit to the greatest extent possible,” he said.
APC is the merged Alaska Native village corporation of South Naknek, Port Heiden, Ugashik, Kokhanok and Newhalen. APC is one of the largest private land owners throughout the Bristol Bay region, with approximately 400,000 acres. There are more than 900 shareholders of APC. APC is a diversified Alaska Native Corporation engaged in government and commercial services for remediation, construction services, administrative management services, environmental consultation, transportation management, exploration services and electrical construction.
For more information contact:
Brad Angasan
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
(907)274-2433
