Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA beluga whale (file photo) (AFP/Getty)Mining company Contango Silver & Gold plans to build a gold mine on the Johnson Tract, located within Lake Clark National Park in Alaska. Opponents and local business owners fear the project could threaten endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales, disrupt brown bear habitats, and cause water pollution. Environmental groups and the Chickaloon tribal council have filed a lawsuit against the US Army Corps of Engineers over alleged Clean Water Act violations by granting a permit for the Johnson Tract project.Contango plans to minimise its environmental footprint by shipping ore off-site for processing rather than refining it on location. Supporters, including local tribal leaders, argue the mine will provide crucial economic self-sufficiency for indigenous communities in the region. In fullAlaska community split on plan to create a gold mine in the middle of a national parkMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in