Graphite One plans to mine a large graphite deposit in Alaska's Kigluaik Mountains, despite strong opposition from local Inupiaq tribes. The project is seen as a threat to the region's biodiversity and food security, as it would disrupt vital hunting and fishing areas. Residents have criticized the federal government's expedited permitting process, which has sidelined tribal input and consultation. The mine's development is framed as a national security measure, but local leaders argue that it violates Indigenous rights and could lead to irreversible environmental damage. Concerns include potential pollution from mining operations and the impact on cultural heritage sites. The controversy highlights the tension between resource extraction and Indigenous rights in Alaska.