The state of Alaska says it wants greater involvement as a controversial BC mine moves through the approval process and it suggests the federal government should consider a more comprehensive review.

The KSM gold and copper mine proposed by Seabridge Gold Inc. (TSX:SEA) has raised concerns in Alaska about the potential impact on fish and the environment.

The northern BC project has passed the provincial environmental assessment process but is currently awaiting a decision from the federal government.

Alaska's Department of Natural Resources has written the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency to formally request to be involved in future permitting and the development of enforcement and monitoring programs.

Environmentalists, aboriginals and fishermen in Alaska have called on the Canadian government to conduct a more thorough process known as a panel review, and the state's letter says Ottawa should "carefully consider" whether that's appropriate.

Seabridge has said it has worked hard to address concerns in Alaska, and the company insists the project will have no impact on American rivers or fish.