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

Northern Dynasty Minerals

31/01/2023 23:04

(Adds EPA comment)
       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 stop the company from storing mine
waste at the watershed, home to important salmon species,
including the world's largest sockeye salmon fisheries that
support 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".
    "EPA's regulations are explicit that 404(c) actions may be
initiated at any stage - including during the permit process or
before an application is submitted for future projects," the EPA
said.
    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 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.
 (Reporting by Sourasis Bose in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil
D'Silva)
 ((Sourasis.Bose@thomsonreuters.com;))