Alaska pebble mine future is in doubt after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesdayissued its final verdict, rejecting a key water permit. The company said they are planning to appeal against the decision.
one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits mine has faced many problems from the regulators over the past 13 years. The project was blocked by the Obama but President Trump revived the project. But politicians criticize the decision of reviving the project and said that it would harm the state’s billion-dollar salmonindustry.
The permit wasrejected by army engineer corp because the Pebble Limited Partnership was unable to comply with Clean Water Act guidelines tohandle the waste in the ecologically sensitive area and conflicting to the public interest.
The parent company Northern Dynasty Mineralsvowed to appeal within 60 days and said that they are disappointed with the decision
The mine can produce 70 million tons of gold, molybdenum and copper ore a year but environmental activists opposing the mine and said that project threatened a world-class sockeye salmon fishery, putting more than $1 billion of revenue and over 10,000 jobs at risk.
Due to strong opposition, Trump was unable to approve the permit and even Trump Junior also raised its concerns by saying that the mine would destroy areas of good fishing and hunting.
Chief Executive of Pebble Mine Partnership John Shively said that the company worked closely with the engineer Corp to ensure the project included necessary safeguards and slammed the decision as political.
In August, developers were given 90 days to explain how they would reduce or eliminate damage to wetlands and popular fishing sites after strong opposition to the project from the prominent Republicans
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) also welcomed the announcement but said that denial still leaves the door open for future mining in a sensitive area. He further added that the newly elected president opposes the project.
The United Tribes of Bristol Bay said they would seek permanent protection for the region.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also has authority under a rarely used section of the Clean Water Act to block development.
Shares of the Pebble Limited Partnership fell about 50% in trading after news of the permit rejection.
