Vancouver-based mining company receives go-ahead to expand near Alaska eagle preserve

The Canadian company exploring for copper, zinc and gold upstream of a southeast Alaska bald eagle preserve has received permission from a U.S. federal agency to expand. Vancouver, B.C.-based Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. is exploring upstream of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve outside Haines.

The preserve sees the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles in early winter. Up to 4,000 of the raptors fly in to feed on salmon that spawn, die and collect along the Chilkat River after other waterways have frozen. Mine critics say it’s unreasonable to allow a mine — and the threat of contaminated wastewater spill or other consequences — so close to the Chilkat.