“I can’t imagine a worse location for a mine of this type, unless it was in my kitchen” said former Alaskan Governor Jay Hammond (R-AK.) The former governor, whether intended or not, spoke for those who advocate for the ‘right to control their environment,’ particularly in the network of rivers, thick vegetation and a world class salmon run – wild Alaskan sockeye – some 36.9 million annually – that is a critical part of the ecosystem that supports subsistence fishing, a commercial industry valued at $238 million and some 14,000 jobs for local communities.
When Canada’s Pebble Limited Partnership proposed to develop a mine, over one mile long and 300 feet deep, the mine that would destroy more than 3500 acres of wetland and more than 81 miles of salmon streams in Bristol Bay while it dumps an estimated 1.1 billion tons of ore waste tailings.
The proposed mine would be so massive, spanning some 32 square miles of ecologically rich land and water that it might be visible from space. Bristol Bay and its interconnected ecosystem with coastal waters is inhabited not only by salmon but also Pacific walrus and Beluga whales. It is a world class sport and commercial fishing ecosystem whose watersheds include 27 significant bird areas, 2 national parks,4 national wildlife refuges and several state parks and critical habitat areas.
The project is backed by Canada’s Northern Dynasty Minerals. London’s Anglo American walked away in 2013 after writing down a $300 million loss following a “no dirty gold” campaign.
According to Pew Charitable Trust, the copper and gold mine would pose a threat to the ocean ecosystem, not to mention the potential for catastrophic tailings dam failure that would dramatically reduce the fish population and the marine ecosystems that tie the rivers to the sea. Oceans Conservancy wrote that “even under the bestcase scenario, Pebble Mine will irreparably harm and forever change Bristol Bay and all life that depends upon keeping the ocean clean and healthy.”
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2014 halted Pebble’s development with a pre-emptive veto under Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act which had the capacity to block areas serving as mine waste disposal sites to “prevent unacceptable … adverse effects … on fish … and water supplies…”
With the Trump administration preparing to roll back the Clean Water Act, Kerrisdale Capital Management reported that the development “bulls were enthralled.” However, many Alaskans continue to oppose Pebble Mine with a decided preference that Alaskans decide what is best for Alaska. The proposed mine threatens an almost mythical ecosystem, would jeopardize Alaskan Native communities whose food security depends upon the rich eco-system’s bounty and, tourism.
Seeking Alpha reported that Pebble has “brought together strange bedfellows: including Tiffanys, the word renowned Jewelry company, the hunting gun manufacturer, Sturm, Ruger and Company, environmental organizations such as Pew Charitable Trust, and a multitude of Alaskan voices – including the former Republican governor.
