In a remote community like St. Paul Island, disruptions of daily social interactions can be especially devastating.

“Everyone at first was perplexed, like, ‘What is it? Is it a fox? Is it a weasel? Is it a mink? Like, what could this be?’”

Kasigluk couldn’t get help from nearby villages to fight the flames because the community is locked down to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Barrick’s CEO said the biggest challenge to developing the mine is the nearly $7 billion cost, including building a power plant, road and 315-mile gas pipeline.