Huge Proposed Open-Pit Mine Threatens Bristol Bay, Alaska
The world's largest salmon run is in Alaska’s Bristol Bay, about 235 miles southwest of Anchorage and adjacent to Lake Clark National Park. But before long, the area could become known for the largest open-pit gold mine on the continent, measuring two miles by one and a half miles, with a depth of 1,600 feet.
Northern Dynasty Mines, Inc., is preparing to seek a permit for the so-called Pebble Mine on state land at the headwaters of the Kvichak and Nushagak Rivers. The pit would be accompanied by a tailings pond holding tons of leftover waste, a 100-mile access road, and a mill. Rivers would be dammed and re-routed.
The region’s native villages are concerned not only about the famous salmon but also about pollution of the air and water, the loss of wildlife, and the difficulty they would have obtaining the food that they need.
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