AK SCR6

Directs the Alaska Legislative Council to contract with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences for an independent assessment of large-scale mineral extraction in the Bristol Bay area watershed.

Requests evaluation of environmental and socioeconomic consequences including effects on hydrological systems, aquifers, biological resources, and communities.

The Pebble copper deposit is estimated to contain 94 million ounces of gold, 72 billion pounds of copper, and 48 billion pounds of molybdenum, potentially requiring an open pit mine over 2 miles long, 1.75 miles wide, and 1,600 feet deep.

Identifies Bristol Bay's Iliamna region as a major spawning ground for salmon runs and world-class trout fishing area that has been closed to mining for over 20 years.

Requires assessment of critical knowledge gaps necessary to understand, predict, and manage the environmental and socioeconomic consequences of mineral extraction in the Bristol Bay watershed.