Copper-nickel is advertised as
the next generation of mining in Minnesota. Is this
really our best, or only, choice for the future ? What have we
learned about this kind of metallic sulfide mining while following
the 4 year permitting process of Polymet, Inc.?
Polymet is one of many
Canadian companies exploring for copper, nickel, and precious metals
in the Duluth Complex of northeast Minnesota. Due to the
fact that these ores contain less than ½% mineralization, over 99%
of this deposit would be waste rock. The largest part of this
band lies between Lake Superior, Lake Vermilion, and the BWCA. This
area has been valued for its recreation and scenic qualities.
Do we really want to turn this into a sulfide mining stockpile?
The Duluth Complex metals are
bonded to sulfide ores. The biggest environmental problem
associated with sulfide mining is acid mine drainage. When
sulfide bearing rocks are crushed, the sulfur in the ores is exposed
to air and water and combines to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
The acid increases the leaching of heavy metals, such as copper,
nickel, and cobalt, from the waste rock. All of these metals
are toxic to aquatic life at very small concentrations. This
combination of sulfuric acid and toxic heavy metals is called acid
mine drainage, and continues into the future as long as there are
minerals remaining within the stockpiles, tailings, and pit
walls—hundreds of years.
According to Canadian
scientist Dr. David Blowes, there is no metallic sulfide mine in
existence that is not contaminating the ground water. In fact,
waste tailing basins are engineered to leak in order to prevent
water buildup from putting too much pressure on the dike walls.
The hydromet process is an
additional source of ground water contamination. The metals
must be leached or precipitated out of the ores. To do this,
Polymet’s operation calls for railing in 13,000 tons each of
hydrochloric and sulfuric acid per year, plus a dozen other
chemicals. This would create 800,000 tons of toxic residue per
year, to be layered in with the tailings. The process would
also require 250,000 tons per year of limestone. What impact
does this associated mining have on the environment?
In addition, Polymet is
planning to store its tailings on top of those left by former LTV
taconite operations. These tailings are leaching sulfates into the
St. Louis River watershed. The sulfate ion (SO4) is part
of a chemical process that converts mercury into methylmercury, the
form that can accumulate in fish tissue. The mercury
itself is released into the air from taconite stacks during the
pelletizing process, and also from the coal burning plants that
provide the electricity needed by the mines. The St. Louis River
watershed is so contaminated with mercury that it cannot meet state
and federal standards.
Polymet is located 20 miles
south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with the
potential to adversely affect air quality in both the BWCA and
Voyageurs National Park. Air pollutants include
particulate matter, and SO2 which contributes to acid rain.
Polymet has purchased the
former LTV taconite crushing facility and tailings basin for its
plant location. But Polymet’s open pit would lie within 6,700
acres of Superior National Forest, affecting at least 1,000 acres of
wetlands. Wetlands sequester carbon, which is released into
the air when they are destroyed. According to European
studies, preserving wetlands/peat lands can help modify climate
change on a local level, allowing plant and wildlife species time to
adjust.
So—why all the rush to mine
these low grade deposits? The demand for copper comes
from the industrialization of China and India. Before the
market collapse, China was moving its people off the land and into
urban industrial districts. Copper was needed for the
wiring and plumbing of housing developments. Since
the economic downturn, China has continued to stockpile the lower
priced copper.
Copper and nickel are also
used in computer and cell phone technology, hybrid cars, and wind
turbines. New laws are requiring manufacturers to
recycle technology components. New technologies
seek to downsize computers and batteries and new public
transportation initiatives seek to reduce automobile traffic.
Also note that based upon Polymet’s agreement with the Swiss
company Glencore, our metals would be sold on the global market.
If, in fifty years or so, Americans decide that we have desperate
need for these metals, then we can make a choice as to whether or
not to mine our own ores.
Here are some conclusions,
based upon four years of following the Polymet process.
The mining of marginal ores in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region is
economically unsustainable. Energy and resources would be
used to create 99% waste, the amount of waste rock would make the
land unreclaimable, and the mining is fraught with environmental
problems. There is no known solution for acid mine drainage and
sulfates leaching into the groundwater. There are significant
questions about slope stability, due to the large size of waste rock
piles and tailings expansion. The draft environmental impact
process does not thoroughly address cumulative impacts nor the
carbon footprint of sulfide mining. It does not address the
loss of wetlands in regard to global warming nor the loss of land
for wildlife and migratory bird corridors. It does not
address treaty and subsistence rights, an environmental justice
issue.
Polymet is seeking a permit
to mine as a test case: will our regulatory agencies determine
that sulfide mining can be done safely in Minnesota wetlands?
Sulfide mining is promising jobs that are nonexistent under current
market conditions. Copper-nickel mines have been shut
down globally due to lack of demand. Are we being held
hostage by the mining industry?
If we are going to go mining
for a truly sustainable future, what will it look like? Thomas
Friedman, in his book “Hot, Flat, and Crowded” portrays a future in
which customers lease their cars and appliances, returning then to
the dealer at the end of their usefulness for complete recycling.
Paul Ehrlich, author of “One with Ninevah,” sees a future where
basic global needs are met for food, water, clothing, sanitary
conditions, shelter, and health care. The Nature
Conservancy predicts that the most important resources of this
century will be clean water, clean air, and biodiversity.
According to author Duane Elgin, if all humans consumed at the
current U.S. level, it would take five Earths to support us.
We, as consumers and
citizens, must recognize our power. Our consumer choices drive
the market, and therefore we have a responsibility to make conscious
consumer choices. We need to become aware of the impact of our
choices upon the environment, and the capacity of that environment
to sustain future generations.
Likewise, a democracy
depends upon an educated citizenry. In the early days of our
country, only the landed gentry were able to vote as they were the
only ones who could afford an education. We have the power of
public education. We have the ability to gather and process
information. Now we need the intellectual curiosity to ask
questions, the integrity to make decisions for the good of the
whole, the creativity to dream a better world, and the courage to
make our voices heard.
Prepared by Elanne Palcich for the Democratic Progressive Caucus Forum held at Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on April 17, 2009.
Northeastern
Minnesotans for Wilderness, is
pleased to announce NMW was awarded a grant from Freshwater Future
www.freshwaterfuture.org
This grant will provide technical support for the project,
Protecting Minnesota's Waters from Metallic Sulfide Mining.
A hundred years ago people were
beginning to develop an awareness of the importance of wilderness.
The concept of "wilderness" evolved as a result of
"not-wilderness," for at some point in our history, land did
not have any official special designation. In 1909, leaders on both
sides of the US-Canadian border established land areas to be set
aside for future generations to enjoy: Minnesota's Superior National
Forest and Ontario's Quetico Provincial Park.
(read
more)
Approximately three miles east of Ely lie six
bodies of water which
have, through the years, come to be called the White Iron Chain of
Lakes. These lakes – Birch, White Iron, Farm, South Farm, Garden,
and, eventually, Fall Lake, comprise a major portion of the
Kawishiwi River Watershed.
(read
more)