Mining
Apply for a Permit

I want to operate a small suction dredge (intake diameter of 6 inches or less powered by an 18 horsepower engine or less) OR a sluice box and small pump (18 horsepower engine or less) to process material I gather with hand tools from fish bearing waters.
You need a Small Scale Mining Permit. Please see the Small Scale Mining Permits tab for permit applications and General Permits.

I want to conduct placer mining activities at a larger scale than described above in fish bearing waters.
You need a Fish Habitat Permit. Please download and complete the permit application on this page, and return the completed application to the Habitat Section office closest to your project in person, by postal mail, or by email. Be sure to provide a detailed description of your proposed activity or project and attach any supporting information such as maps or diagrams.

I don’t plan to operate in fish bearing waters, but I want to cross streams with equipment and/or pump water out of the stream.
You may need a Fish Habitat Permit; please contact your local Habitat Section office .

Other Authorizations:

Please be advised that exploration or mining activities in the State of Alaska often require additional authorizations from other state, federal, or local agencies. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) designed the Application for Permits to Mine in Alaska (APMA) to assist the mining industry with the permitting process.

The APMA is an application form for the permits required to explore for and mine locatable minerals and to conduct reclamation. Each year a miner intends to conduct mining activity, including exploration, mining, or transportation of equipment and maintaining a camp, an APMA should be completed and submitted to the ADNR Division of Mining, Land & Water Office nearest to where the activity will take place.