RED DOG

• USRDB
• Latitude: 67.574
• Longitude: -164.068
• Alaska
• Port in US

Location: Red Dog Mine AK US

Web-site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dog_Mine

Red Dog Port is a unique and strategic port located in the northwest region of Alaska, United States. Below are the detailed descriptions and specifications of Red Dog Port:

Location

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 67°34′N 164°3′W.
• Proximity to Nearest Landmarks: The port is situated near the Chukchi Sea, approximately 82 miles from the city of Kotzebue and about 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle.

Ownership and Operations

• Owned By: Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA).
• Operated By: Teck Resources Limited, primarily to serve the adjacent Red Dog Mine, one of the largest zinc mines in the world.

Infrastructure

• Docking Facilities:

  • Shallow Water Port: The onshore port facility fronts onto a shallow draft where ocean-going barges transfer ore concentrates to deep-water vessels.
  • Loading Facilities: Include a conveyor system that transports the ore concentrates from the storage facility to the shore-based loader.

• Storage Facilities:

  • Concentrate Storage Building: Large storage buildings support the massive volumes of zinc and lead concentrates awaiting shipment.
  • Environmental Protections: State-of-the-art containment and treatment systems for handling ore and ensuring environmental protection.

Operations

• Seasonality: The port operates seasonally due to Arctic ice conditions, typically from July to October.
• Primary Commodities: Zinc and lead concentrates, primarily extracted from the nearby Red Dog Mine.

Shipping and Navigation

• Vessel Types: The port typically services bulk carriers.
• Draft Specifications: As an offshore port using shallow draft barges, vessels require specialized accommodations.
• Navigation Aids: Modern navigation aids and communication systems ensure safe passage and handling of ore loading operations in challenging Arctic conditions.

Environmental and Regulatory Aspects

• Environmental Management: Comprehensive environmental management plans are in place in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Alaskan regulations.
• Sustainable Practices: Measures, such as dust control systems and water treatment facilities, minimize environmental impacts.

Significance

• Economic Impact: Red Dog Port is crucial for Alaska's economy, contributing significantly through the export of zinc and lead, providing employment, supporting local infrastructure, and generating state revenues through mining operations.
• Strategic Importance: Being in a remote Arctic location, the port represents both a logistical challenge and a strategic asset, crucial for resource extraction and distribution.

Future Prospects

• Expansion Plans: There are periodic reviews and potential discussions of expanding or updating the port facilities to accommodate increased ore production or enhance efficiency.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Continuous improvement strategies to mitigate environmental impact, integrating renewable energy sources, and reducing carbon footprints.

Community Engagement

• Local Partnerships: The port and mining operation engage with local indigenous communities to ensure that the benefits are shared, and cultural sensitivities are respected.
• Training and Employment: Programs in place for local training and employment to boost the regional economy and skill development.

Red Dog Port exemplifies a complex and vital interface between industrial activity and environmental stewardship, ensuring Alaska’s mineral wealth reaches global markets while maintaining rigorous standards of environmental and social responsibility.