BWCA mining?

[Timber]

The facts as confirmed by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency:

1. This type of hardrock mining is the most polluting industry in America.

2. it has damaged or killed 10,000 miles of streams and 40% of the watersheds in the

Western U. S.

3. it is toxic to aquatic life and creates long-lasting threats to human health.

Copper-nickel mining has never been attempted in MN before, and has never been proven safe anywhere. Polymet's draft environmental impact statement indicated their proposed mine would result in 2,000 years of pollution. Their latest projections suggest 90 local jobs for 20 years. Is that worth the risk? When they prove, rather than simply promise, that an industry with such a horrific track record can be done safely, then we could support this type of mining. We stand to lose lakes, streams, fish and game, property values, tourism jobs, and safe drinking water.

[Chode2235]

The facts as confirmed by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency:

1. This type of hardrock mining is the most polluting industry in America.

2. it has damaged or killed 10,000 miles of streams and 40% of the watersheds in the

Western U. S.

3. it is toxic to aquatic life and creates long-lasting threats to human health.

Copper-nickel mining has never been attempted in MN before, and has never been proven safe anywhere. Polymet's draft environmental impact statement indicated their proposed mine would result in 2,000 years of pollution. Their latest projections suggest 90 local jobs for 20 years. Is that worth the risk? When they prove, rather than simply promise, that an industry with such a horrific track record can be done safely, then we could support this type of mining. We stand to lose lakes, streams, fish and game, property values, tourism jobs, and safe drinking water.

This is ultimately where my opinion shakes out too. We need a 'prove it safe' law in MN like Wisconsin has. Conjecture and promises are not enough to keep our water clean.

[Tom7227]

I just worked my way through FM and one thing struck me was how civil this discussion has been. Got me wondering if the folks from Silly Town don't make it up here. Glad they don't.

[Chode2235]

I just worked my way through FM and one thing struck me was how civil this discussion has been. Got me wondering if the folks from Silly Town don't make it up here. Glad they don't.

Amen, or at least we're on our best behavior... ??

[Duffman]

Shhhh.......Lmit's lurking

[Stick in Mud]

LOL. I was actually thinking the same thing...heck, people have even provided sources for their opinions. Kind of amazing, actually.

[Leaky]

Shhhh.......Lmit's lurking

Funny! Tom's right, though. This couldn't have happened over there.

[Leaky]

The facts as confirmed by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency:

1. This type of hardrock mining is the most polluting industry in America.

2. it has damaged or killed 10,000 miles of streams and 40% of the watersheds in the

Western U. S.

3. it is toxic to aquatic life and creates long-lasting threats to human health.

Copper-nickel mining has never been attempted in MN before, and has never been proven safe anywhere. Polymet's draft environmental impact statement indicated their proposed mine would result in 2,000 years of pollution. Their latest projections suggest 90 local jobs for 20 years. Is that worth the risk? When they prove, rather than simply promise, that an industry with such a horrific track record can be done safely, then we could support this type of mining. We stand to lose lakes, streams, fish and game, property values, tourism jobs, and safe drinking water.

This from the article Chode posted: "A 2009 University of Minnesota Duluth study predicts the coming copper boom could eventually result in three, four, or more mines, which could create 12,000 construction jobs, 5,000 permanent mining and processing jobs, and 10,000 spinoff service, supply, and related jobs."

Twin Metals already has built a shiny new office building in Ely, on the shores of Miners Lake no less. Someone is going to come up with a way to safely extract the trillion dollars of minerals the world needs and meet the State & Federal Standards. Heck 20 years ago there was no internet. Because it hasn't worked in the past doesn't mean it can't work. It's just a matter of time.

[Timber]

<<QUOTE: Because it hasn't worked in the past doesn't mean it can't work. It's just a matter of time.>>

We're on the same page. Let's wait until they get it right. Not just a promise that it will.

[Zelmsdawg]

We're on the same page. Let's wait until they get it right. Not just a promise that it will.

I agree. No one is going to say that jobs/boast in economy is bad or that killing some rivers and wetlands is good. I think everyone will concede at some point the resources will be mined, I just prefer they don't work out the bugs next to a pristine wilderness area.

[Down Deep]

<<QUOTE: We're on the same page. Let's wait until they get it right. Not just a promise that it will.

The way I see it this is the problem. The minining industry and the ligislators both in MN and the US Congress who are pushing legislation that essentially reads "best technology available". What does this mean? What if the technology doesn't work so well? Will it be "well we tried, but tough S#!t northern MN enjoy your streams and lakes.