The next big threat to our jobs and way of life has arrived. Several companies have applied for permits to mine metals in Superior National Forest. PolyMet, a subsidiary of multinational mining giant Glencore, is the furthest along in the permitting process. Sulfide mining, the process used to extract non-iron metals from the ore, has a perfect history. Its record of environmental disasters is 100%.
No matter what is said about new mining technologies—how they’ve learned their lessons, how they will return the site to its natural state—history is clear.
PolyMet is likely to drag out in court any efforts by the state or federal government to make them stop polluting. When the mine is no longer profitable it will be abandoned, leaving the state and Minnesota taxpayers to clean up the mess, which will be massive and toxic. Sulfide pollution will run off in both directions polluting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Lake Superior.
PolyMet says if they are required to bond or get adequate insurance to cover the cost of cleanup or restoration, it’s a deal breaker. They can’t afford it. If a huge multinational mining company can’t afford the clean up, how will the Minnesota taxpayer afford it when they leave?
More of us in northeastern Minnesota make a living feeding, outfitting, housing and guiding outdoors visitors than are employed in the forest products and mining industries combined. As Minnesota considers whether to venture into this next conflict, we should do it in a careful way, to protect the tourism jobs we already have.
This chapter isn’t yet finished but already the Minnesota House and Senate have passed big budget cuts for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources, the agencies responsible for regulating and monitoring proposed mines. They’ve also passed bills that won’t allow the MPCA or DNR to make any rules governing the water around the proposed mines, effectively tying their hands.
“It’s a done deal.” “There’s nothing we can do about it.” “We can’t fight that much money.” These statements are wrong. Don’t believe them. Permits have not been issued yet. Our congressional representatives all still have a say in whether Minnesota’s environment, and the jobs it currently supports, will be sacrificed. What will be our legacy? Please contact them. Now is the time to make our voices heard. This chapter is still being written.
Frank Moe
State Representative 2005-2009, Bemidji
Board Member Conservation Minnesota Voter Fund
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