Media Contact:
Alan Septoff, 202.887.1872×105, aseptoff@earthworks.org
“It is great news that First Quantum decided to forgo their investment in the proposed Pebble mine in Alaska’s Bristol Bay. First Quantum is the latest in a string of investors to recognize that it’s a bad idea to put North America’s largest open pit mine in the spawning grounds of the world’s largest remaining wild sockeye salmon fishery.
It is to First Quantum’s credit, and good news for First Quantum shareholders, that their leadership listened to Pebble’s overwhelming opposition including Alaska Natives, commercial and recreational fisherman, jewelers, churches, among others.
First Quantum’s decision, following similar decisions by Rio Tinto and Anglo American, serves to reinforce Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt’s statement that ‘any mining projects in the region likely pose a risk to the abundant natural resources that exist there’. We hope First Quantum’s decision convinces EPA to follow through on its initial plan to protect the Bristol Bay watershed from industrial scale mining.”
For More Information
- Northern Dynasty: Northern Dynasty and First Quantum Minerals Terminate Framework Agreement
- Earthworks: Alaska’s Bristol Bay
- Environmental Protection Agency: Administrator Scott Pruitt Suspends Withdrawal of Proposed Determination in Bristol Bay Watershed, Will Solicit Additional Comments, Jan 26, 2018
- Environmental Protection Agency: 2014 Proposed Determination Pursuant to Section 404c of the Clean Water Act for Pebble Deposit Area, Southwest Alaska