DeLong Mountain Transportation System (DMTS)

 

Location

Near Red Dog Mine in northwest Alaska

Partners

Owner: AIDEA

Operator: Teck

Landowner: NANA Regional Corporation, Inc.

Jobs

  • 500+ regular direct full-time positions related to the mine and port operations
  • 100 seasonal jobs, mostly related to port operations

Economic Benefits

  • Greater than $120 million of annual royalty payments to NANA and other ANCSA corporations
  • Provides sizeable payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILT) to the Northwest Arctic Borough (NWAB)
  • Teck provides significant support to NWAB organizations and events
  • Bulk fuel is shared with local villages at significant cost savings

Financials

  • $180 million for initial DMTS facility construction
  • $85 million for 1997 expansion

Project Description

The DeLong Mountain Transportation System (DMTS) was opened in 1989 to support the development of the Red Dog Mine in northwest Alaska. The Red Dog Mine, operated by Teck Alaska, Inc. on behalf of NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., is one of the world's largest producing zinc mines. The DMTS provides the necessary infrastructure to transport ore from the mine site to the ore export barges. The expansion of the DMTS port facilities in 1999 enabled Teck to increase mine and port throughput, improving the overall project economics.

The full system includes the following infrastructure:

  • A 52-mile, 30-foot all-weather gravel industrial haul road from the mine to the port.
  • A shallow water dock to receive supplies, fuel, equipment, and personnel.
  • An offshore conveyor system to load ore concentrate to lightering vessels that can convey the concentrate to larger ships further offshore.
  • A fuel distribution facility, including six bulk tanks capable of storing approximately 15 million gallons of fuel for port and mine use.
  • Storage facilities, including two buildings with approximately 1.2 million tons of ore storage capacity.
  • On-site power, other utilities and residential quarters for up to 96 workers.

Support

Support comes from the Northwest Arctic Borough and its residents who benefit through the creation of jobs at the mine, lowered cost of heating, and through support of local non-profit organizations.

 

PROJECT FACT SHEET




Top of the World
 

DMTS Asset Management Review
 

DMTS Asset Management Review, Executive Summary

 

 

 

 

 

1. Land Ownership (Surface Management Agencies)

a. (Top Filed and State Selected)

b. Mental Health and University Trust Lands

c. State Parks

2. Mineral Resources (Go to DGGS)

3. AKDOT Route Data

4. Borough/City Roads

5. Wilderness

6. Wild and Scenic River System

7. Alaska Regional Native

8. Communities

9. Boroughs and Cities

10. Village Corporations and Lands

11. Federal Recognized Tribes and contacts

12. USA National Hydrography

13. Anadromous waters catalog

14. House and Senate Districts (STATE of Alaska)

15. Airports

16. Rail Roads

17. Ports and Harbors