In latest blow to Pebble prospect, mining giant Rio Tinto is pulling out

[Blue_In_AK]

WASHINGTON - Global mining giant Rio Tinto is pulling out of the Pebble mine project in Alaska, the latest blow to the controversial plan to build an open pit mine in the best wild salmon stronghold in the world.

Rio Tinto said Monday that it will donate its share in the project to a pair of Alaskan non-profits, the Alaska Community Foundation and the Bristol Bay Native Corp. Education Foundation.

Rio Tinto's decision comes after the Environmental Protection Agency moved closer in recent weeks to blocking the mine. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said Pebble would "likely have significant and irreversible negative impacts on the salmon of Bristol Bay." She said her agency would decide on action to protect the salmon under the Clean Water Act, which could lead to a veto of the project.

The British mining powerhouse Anglo American pulled out of the Pebble project last year. Now Rio Tinto is abandoning the effort as well, saying Monday "the Pebble Project does not fit with Rio Tinto's strategy."

"By giving our shares to two respected Alaskan charities, we are ensuring that Alaskans will have a say in Pebble's future development," said Rio Tinto Copper Chief Executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques.

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Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2014/04/07/3413818/mining-giant-rio-tinto-pulling.html?sp=/99/100/&ihp=1#storylink=cpy


We just might win this one.

[bravenak]

1. Yay!!!

Good news!

[NYC_SKP]

2. Glad to read this, Blue!

It's going to take a continued effort, vigilance, to prevent this kind of evil.

[hatrack]

3. Outstanding!

Now that's some good news for a change!

[Blue_In_AK]

4. There's been so much grassroots opposition to this project

that even these giant mining companies don't want to deal with the PR nightmare. All the major jewelers had vowed not to buy Pebble gold several years ago.