Alaska has, of course, been a big flash-point in the debate. While hydrocarbon extraction invariably comes up in discussions of Alaska's economy, two of the state's other big industries are presently locked in a vigorous battle over lands that hold great bounties of non-petroleum riches.
The Pebble Mine, located at the mouth of Bristol Bay, is the site of significant interest for both commercial fishing operations and a handful of mining companies, including the US unit of Anglo American. The bay is a major spawning ground for wild salmon; the mine promises access to vast reserves of copper and gold.
Gov. Sarah Palin has witnessed the simmering tension between the two sides since the start of her term, her position on the matter officially neutral. Yet mining companies have already paid to fly Todd Palin out to tour mines in the area on a fact-finding mission, and several prominent lawmakers have alleged that the state government has been involved with inappropriate arrangements with native leaders who reside in surrounding communities.If state regulators give their approval, mining companies plan to carve an open pit that would rival the world’s largest mines, descending half a mile and taking as much energy to operate daily as the city of Anchorage. That prospect has ignited a war between Alaska’s two historic industries, mining and fishing.
Scientists and former state and federal biologists warn that toxic residue from the project, known as Pebble Mine, would irreparably harm a centuries-old salmon fishing industry that employs 17,000 and hauls in $100 million annually.
Amidst all of the controversy, the fate of the Pebble Mine is uncertain at this point, but as the NYT reports: "Alaska regulators, however, have never rejected an application for a large mine, according to state officials."
> Palin's Hand Seen in Battle Over Mine in Alaska [NYT]
> Pebble Partnership [official site]
No comments:
Post a Comment