Mining
Small Scale Mining Permits
The ADF&G Habitat Section is encouraging the public to practice social distancing to minimize the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) by calling Habitat staff with inquiries and using online resources to apply for permits. Please download and complete the appropriate application(s) and submit them by email, postal mail, or fax to the office listed on the permit header. We will review the application and return a validated permit by email or postal mail. Please contact your nearest Habitat Section office with any questions or for assistance with this temporary process.
Fish Habitat Permits for Small Scale Mining are issued by the Habitat Section for:
- Use of a suction dredge with an intake diameter of six inches or less and powered by an engine 18 horsepower or less
- Use of a sluice box and small water pump (18 horsepower or less) to process material gathered with hand tools (commonly referred to as “high banking”)
Permits can be obtained at our Anchorage, Fairbanks, Palmer, and Soldotna offices and are generally issued over-the-counter. We have also developed regional General Permits for some areas in Southcentral Alaska.
Permit application forms and General Permits are listed by region and available for download below: