Annual Placer Mining Application:
In an effort to reduce paperwork and processing time the APMA is divided into three separate applications.This is the same method used for last years APMA's:

1. Cover Letter to Miner with new APMA applications
2. Hard Rock Exploration
3. Suction Dredging
4. Placer Mining
5. Miscellaneous Land Use Application for Cross Country Travel Only

Federal Operators:
If your operation involves federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and you want to use the APMA as a Notice of Plan of Operations, please obtain BLM approval of any bonding requirements prior to the submission of the APMA to the State Division of Mining, Land & Water. Bonding forms are available at BLM and DNR.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Permitting:
Your APMA can be submitted to the EPA as a Notice of Intent (NOI)/Application for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit. Applicants including APMA multi-year permit holders should fill in and sign item # 27 of the APMA to apply for the EPA five year General Permit. If your application is for suction dredging fill in and sign item # 22 of the suction dredge APMA to apply for the EPA five year General permit.

APMAMulti-Year Renewal Requirements:
For those miners who have been issued an APMA multi-year permit, the following forms still need to be submitted annually:

• Cover Letter to Miner with Renewal APMA applications.
1. Reclamation page with signature.
2. Over 5 acres – Bond renewal form.
3. Under 5 acres – Reclamation statement.
4. CZM form if you operate within Alaska Coastal Zone Management boundaries.
5. Other forms for amending current operations

Suction Dredging:

1. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires suction dredge operators to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit.  Contact the EPA well in advance of your intended “start-up” date to determine if your operation can be permitted under the General Permit for Alaska Placer Miners.  Please contact Cindy Godsey at 1-800-781-0983 (within Alaska) or (907) 271-6561.
2. Suction dredges may require authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). A Corps of Engineers permit may be required for any mining activity utilizing mechanized equipment on “waterways” or “wetlands”, or access across waterways or wetlands. The APMA may act as an application for the COE General Permit for Placer Mining in Alaska. Contact the COE Placer Mining Permit Section well in advance of intended “start-up” to ensure your application contains all required information. Please contact: Victor Ross, Mining Coordinator at 1-800-478-2712 (within Alaska) or (907) 753-2712.

Processing Fees:
Year processing fees have increase to $150.00.

DECEMBER 31 DEADLINE:

1. Applicants, whose proposed operations involved a total disturbance of less than five acres, are required to submit an Annual Reclamation Statement, whether or not activity took place this year.  (AS 27.19.050©).
2. For activity involving cross-country access of equipment or operations within Alaska Coastal Zone Management (ACZM) boundaries, you are advised to submit the application by December 31. 

Alaska Mining License:
The Division of Mining, Land & Water, issues mining licenses. Mining licenses are not issued for exploration activities.

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