A clearer path forward for Tulsequah Chief Mine cleanup

A worker conducts a drone survey during the 2025 field season at the long-abandoned Tulsequah Chief Mine. (Photo provided by the Government of British Columbia)

By Randy Bates, Doug Vincent-Lang and Brent Goodrum

For decades, the Tulsequah Chief Mine has concerned Alaskans who depend on the Taku River waters flowing into Southeast Alaska. The historic mine sits along the Tulsequah River in British Columbia, upstream of its confluence with the Taku. Although the mine has been closed for many years, it continues to generate acid rock drainage from its underground workings.

Alaskans should not have to rely on assumptions about what is happening upstream. They deserve clear information, reliable data, and an honest accounting of both the progress and the work that remains.  Cleanup and restoration of this abandoned mine have been longstanding issues between British Columbia and Alaska for decades. Alaska, along with our federal delegation, has pushed for a remediation plan with a reasonable timeline. 

Recently, we were invited by British Columbian officials to tour the remote mine site alongside representatives from Sen. Dan Sullivan’s office, the U.S. Consulate, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, and Teck. We went to see the site firsthand to better understand the work underway and directly represent Alaska’s downstream interests. We appreciate Teck, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, and the government of British Columbia for making the visit possible and openly sharing their work and plans.

What we saw gives us reason to be encouraged: Cleanup at Tulsequah Chief is not complete, but there is a credible path forward.

Teck has voluntarily committed resources to investigate the site, develop a long-term remediation approach, and lead implementation of a closure plan. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation is directly involved in developing that plan, helping ensure the future of the site reflects its knowledge of the land, water, and cultural importance of the area. British Columbia remains fully engaged through its regulatory and oversight responsibilities.

Together, these efforts have produced tangible results. During the past two field seasons, work has included improving access, evaluating underground conditions, collecting environmental data, repairing essential infrastructure, ensuring worksite safety, and removing historic hazardous waste. Although much of this work occurs out of public view, it is necessary to understand the site and develop a safe, effective, and durable solution.

Teck and the Taku River Tlingit First Nation expect to complete a draft remediation plan by the end of 2026. This is an important next step toward a lasting solution. While a final completion date has not been set, Alaska will continue to press for steady progress and transparent updates.

We remain committed to work cooperatively to address these issues through the existing agreement between British Columbia and Alaska.  We feel it is most appropriate to keep the dialogue as near to the impacted parties, rather than elevate to national levels.  

Alaska has remained actively engaged because protecting downstream communities requires sustained oversight, not periodic attention.  We have independently evaluated the data, demanded greater transparency, engaged directly with British Columbia to address Alaska’s concerns, and inspected the site firsthand. We will continue to provide Alaskans with accurate, science-based information as the work advances and ensure Alaska’s interests remain at the forefront.

Tulsequah Chief is one mine in a vast watershed, but its history carries broader lessons. Historic mine sites underscore the importance of strong closure planning, effective reclamation requirements, and sustained oversight. The work at Tulsequah Chief also illustrates how cooperation and continued engagement can begin moving a difficult situation toward resolution.

Our responsibilities extend beyond this one mine. Alaska will continue working with British Columbia on mining activity throughout the transboundary region. We will continue reviewing scientific data, participating in cross-border discussions, advocating for transparency, and protecting the waters, fisheries, and communities downstream.  

Cooperation does not mean lowering expectations. The work at Tulsequah Chief is not finished, but after seeing the site and speaking directly with those carrying out the work, we are confident that a lasting solution is achievable. Our commitment to Alaskans is straightforward: follow the science, insist on transparency, protect our downstream waters and fisheries, and stay engaged until that solution is in place.

• Randy Bates is the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Doug Vincent-Lang is the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Brent Goodrum is the deputy commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.