One of the greatest threats to Alaskan salmon is the proposed Pebble Mine at the headwaters of the Nushagak and Kvichak rivers in the Bristol Bay region – the most productive salmon ecosystem in the world. If constructed, Pebble would be the world’s second largest open pit copper/gold/molybdenum mine and include the world’s largest earthen dam, to hold back 10 billion tons of toxic tailings and contaminated water.
If permitted, the Pebble Mine will enable the development of a mining district many times larger than the Pebble Mine lease, substantially increasing the likelihood that mining operations will adversely impact Bristol Bay ecosystems.
In 2012 Wild Salmon Center and Trout Unlimited produced a report examining the proposed Pebble Mine and its potential impacts on the wild salmon fishery of Bristol Bay, Alaska. This report describes significant ecological, economic, and cultural concerns raised by proposed development of the Pebble copper, gold, and molybdenum deposit in the headwaters of the Bristol Bay basin, which is home to North America’s most abundant wild salmon fishery and the world’s largest wild sockeye salmon run.
Scientific report describes dangers of Pebble Mine to Bristol Bay salmon, watershed and communities; concludes Pebble is a monumental gamble that risks too much (published 2012).
The technical literature fails to show an example of any similar metal-mine tailings impoundment that has not released toxic contaminants into the environment over the long-term via chronic seepage - especially following site closure.
Assessments indicate a high likelihood of acid mine drainage at the Pebble site.
Post-mining pit lake with the potential to contaminate ground and surface waters.
Taller than the Hoover Dam, the Three Gorges Dam, the Washington Monument...
Preliminary Pebble Mine site plans.
In 2012 Wild Salmon Center and Trout Unlimited produced a report examining the proposed Pebble Mine and its impacts on the wild salmon fishery of Bristol Bay, Alaska. This report describes significant ecological, economic, and cultural concerns raised by proposed development of the Pebble copper, gold, and molybdenum deposit in the headwaters of the Bristol Bay basin, which is home to North America’s most abundant wild salmon fishery and the world’s largest sockeye salmon run.