Groundhog

Chuchuna Minerals

Chuchuna Mineral’s Groundhog property lies immediately northeast of the Pebble deposit in southwest Alaska near the town of Nondalton. Alaska Earth Sciences (AES) continues to carry out all the project management and technical staff for geologic and baseline study field programs as well as actively engaging the community through regular informational meetings and providing opportunities for local employment. In 2017, Alaska Earth Sciences completed the first drill holes on the property with significant personnel support from the nearby community

Photo: Local crew and geophysical contractor running IP line. Photo by Rob Retherford.

Graphite Creek

Graphite One Resources Inc.

Graphite Creek located 60 km north of Nome, AK is the largest known large-flake graphite deposit in the United States and the project is quickly approaching the pre-feasibility stage. Graphite One utilizes Alaska Earth Sciences (AES) for their geologic and project management skills by hiring AES to provide project managers, camp managers, camp support, geologists, and logistics in the field. AES provides GIS and 3D modelling services to the project. AES also serves as the qualified person overseeing the quality assurance and quality control of the project, and an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report.

Photo: Graphite deposit prospect area, Sept 2014, Photo by Dave Hembree 

Port Gravina – Prince William Sound Quarry

Chugach Alaska Corporation

Alaska Earth Sciences (AES) was contracted by Chugach Alaska Corporation to evaluate their lands for potential hard rock quarry sites. The initial assessment of three sites included aerial LiDAR survey and desktop analysis where surface geology and structures were interpreted. The desktop analysis was followed up with field visits to map and sample rock exposures. Port Gravina (between Valdez and Cordova in Prince William Sound) was selected as the most favorable site for additional exploration and potential development. At Port Gravina AES conducted test blasts, core drilling, near shore auger drilling of marine sediments, and conceptual mine and infrastructure planning. Most recently, AES has provided onsite owner representation for Chugach Alaska Corp. and construction management for uplands and marine development/construction projects at Port Gravina-Prince William Sound Quarry.

Photo: Andy Angel at Gravina site assessment, Aug 2013, photo by Varina Zinno

Mount Spurr

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

Ormat Technologies, Inc. conducted geothermal exploration work at Mount Spurr, on the west side of Cook Inlet approximately 80 miles west of Anchorage. Alaska Earth Sciences (AES) provided overall project management, geologists, laborers, camp personnel, mobilization of a large diamond drilling rig and its contractor, all logistics, shipping, and personnel transport. Geologic services provided by AES included well-site geology, core-logging, geological and geochemical sampling, drilling operations management, geothermal resource evaluation, and client field liaison services. AES also coordinated social/cultural/interethnic communication workshops for client employees and subcontractors to improve interaction with local residents, shareholder hires and shareholder-owned vendors and subcontractors. Finally, AES managed and executed the Plug and Abandon effort under the purview of the Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission.

Photo: Mt. Spurr, July 2016. Photo by Michelle Johnson.