Red Dog Mine Life Extension Project Gains FAST-41 Coverage

WASHINGTON (September 1, 2026) – The Permitting Council is pleased to announce the latest project to gain FAST-41 coverage– the Red Dog Mine Life Extension Project. Located in northwest Alaska, the mining project will extend operations at the Red Dog Mine for approximately 14 years. 

“I’m pleased to welcome the Red Dog Mine Life Extension Project to FAST-41 coverage,” said Emily Domenech, Permitting Council Executive Director. “Alaska’s extraordinary critical mineral resources represent a tremendous opportunity to strengthen U.S. national and energy security. After supporting the Red Dog Mine’s Aqqaluk Pit expansion through federal permitting, we’re excited to ensure this critical mine life extension is permitted efficiently, ensuring economic opportunity for Alaskans for years to come.”

“Listing the Red Dog Mine Extension project as a FAST-41 project will strengthen our nation’s economic and national security,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Red Dog has been a cornerstone of Alaska’s resource development based economy for decades, and extending its life will help preserve good-paying Alaska jobs, support local communities, and provide the essential minerals America needs. We appreciate the federal government recognizing the importance of this project and taking action to bring greater certainty and efficiency to the permitting process. Alaska is ready to get to work.”

“For decades, Red Dog has demonstrated how resource development and environmental protection can coexist while providing good jobs for Alaskans and critical minerals for our nation. All throughout, this project has greatly benefitted the Northwest Arctic Borough and – as a result of ANCSA revenue sharing – Alaska Native communities across our state,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). “Now, after nearly 40 years of successful operation, extending Red Dog’s life is a top priority. I thank the Permitting Council and the broader Trump administration for stepping up to ensure the permitting process for that is as efficient as possible—and for recognizing that this mine is not just part of our past and present, but also a major part of our future.”

“The Red Dog Mine is the economic engine of Northwest Alaska and one of the world’s largest zinc mines, supporting hundreds of good-paying jobs for families across the region,” said Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). “For years, my team and I have closely tracked efforts to extend the life of this critical project. This is precisely the kind of project I had in mind when I cosponsored the legislation that became FAST-41: a permitting process designed to improve coordination, establish clear timelines, and help prevent vital projects from becoming mired in needless red tape and delays. This is great news for America, for Alaska, and, most importantly, for Red Dog’s workers and their families.”

“Having visited Red Dog Mine and seen firsthand the scale of this operation and the opportunities it provides for Northwest Alaska, I applaud the Permitting Council for adding the Red Dog Mine Life Extension Project to the FAST-41 program,” said Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK). “For nearly four decades, Red Dog has demonstrated what responsible resource development can mean for Alaska. With some of the world’s most significant undeveloped high-grade zinc resources located nearby, the opportunity to extend that legacy is tremendous. I commend the Permitting Council, Teck, and NANA for reaching this important milestone and helping secure the next generation of responsible mining in Northwest Alaska.”

"The Red Dog Mine Life Extension project is an important opportunity to extend the operating life of Red Dog Mine and the economic benefits it supports for the Northwest Arctic region and Alaska,” said Brock Gill, Teck Senior Vice President, Operations, North America. “We welcome FAST-41 coverage, which will support a permitting process that is efficient, transparent, and coordinated, offering greater visibility and predictability as the project moves through review. Teck is committed to working closely with NANA, local communities, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders as we responsibly advance project development and permitting activities."

The extension project will work to develop ore deposits through underground long-hole stoping mining methods. The deposits contain several critical minerals, including zinc, lead, silver, and germanium. Located on land owned by NANA, a Regional Alaska Native corporation, the project is sponsored by Teck American Incorporated. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will serve as the lead federal permitting agency. Learn more about the Red Dog Mine Life Extension Project on the Federal Permitting Dashboard.