U.S. EPA's move to block Pebble project in Alaska 'unlawful' - CEO

Northern Dynasty Minerals

31/01/2023 21:38

Jan 31 (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) decision to block the proposed Pebble copper and
gold mining project near Alaska's ecologically sensitive Bristol
Bay watershed is "unlawful" and hurts the state, said the top
boss of the mining project.
    The EPA has moved to prevent the company from storing mine
waste at the watershed, home to important salmon species,
including the world's largest sockeye salmon fisheries, which
have supported critical wildlife and a multibillion-dollar
industry.
    "This preemptive action against Pebble is not supported
legally, technically, or environmentally," said John Shively,
chief executive of Pebble LP, a unit of Northern Dynasty
Minerals Ltd  NDM.TO . 
    He also said U.S. President Joe Biden's strategy to secure
minerals for green energy goals seems to be giving "passing
support" to minerals such as lithium in the United States and
seeking an "enormous supply of copper ... from other nations".
    The project has been on a roller coaster for the past 15
years. Former U.S. President Barack Obama opposed the project,
and his successor Donald Trump ultimately also did after
deciding it was too risky.
    Earlier in December, the regional EPA head suggested that
the agency veto the project, which has one of the world's
largest copper and gold deposits.
    The EPA was not immediately available for comment.
 (Reporting by Sourasis Bose in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil
D'Silva)
 ((Sourasis.Bose@thomsonreuters.com;))