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The Pebble Blog

The gigantic Pebble copper and gold prospect in Southwest Alaska is one of the touchiest topics in Alaska today.

In this blog, I'll track news that is significant or interesting about the Pebble project. I'll also try to generate discussion and information sharing about some of the claims and counterclaims about the project, and mining in general.

Please keep your comments courteous and on topic. If you violate the ADN comment policy, your posts will be deleted.

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About Elizabeth Bluemink ebluemink@adn.com

I've been writing about mining in Alaska since 2004 and without a doubt, it is one of the most interesting topics that I cover at the Daily News. I've been a newspaper reporter for the past 10 years. In the Deep South, I specialized in reporting about environmental conflicts and pollution cleanups. For two years, I covered commercial fishing, mining and logging in Southeast Alaska. In my current job as a Daily News business reporter, I write about mining, tourism, Native corporations and other businesses.

Anglo & Zimbabwe (Updated)

Posted by Elizabeth Bluemink

Posted: June 25, 2008 - 10:59 am

The following story was published in the London-based Times today.

Here's the lede:

Anglo American, the London-based mining giant, is to make what is believed to be the largest foreign investment in Zimbabwe to date, just as the British Government puts pressure on companies to withdraw from the country.

Anglo will invest $400 million (£200 million) to build a platinum mine in Zimbabwe - a move that has raised concern among some of the company's shareholders and been condemned by politicians.

The Foreign Office was investigating tonight whether the company's investment breached sanctions against Zimbabwe. Anglo insisted that its involvement in the country did not break the law.

Below is a press release that Anglo issued today in the wake of the Times story and other media reports.

Attachment	Size
Anglo American statement on Zimbabwe.pdf	15.84 KB

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7 July 7, 2008 - 5:32pm | PuckFebble

More pressure

The UK Trade Minister has said Anglo needs to rethink thier investment in Zim.
http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=797725

This is especially troublesome that the main Pebble partner continues in such a heavy handed manner without regard for the international community or the human rights situation on the ground there.
How can a person or a company be trusted when they say one thing here, and do the exact opposite elsewhere?

6 June 29, 2008 - 12:13am | pmjusa

Pebble opponents have gone tabloid.

Instead of evaluating the investment vs. sanctions situation in Zimbabwe from a larger perspective, they’re reduced to sending out the flying monkeys, which is - linking the Pebble Partners to child abuse, spreading aides, drunk-driving, and even civil war. By implication, Alaska regulatory compliance personnel for mining would ostensibly look on and do nothing as such abuses happen here if the “clean water” mining shutdown initiative fails. How insulting to fellow Alaskans, and what a crock. Welcome to the Waynes World of morally and intellectually deceptive enviro-journalism. Such tactics work best with those too busy, too ignorant, or too lazy to expend the mental energy to think critically. There was a time when I was both too busy and too ignorant. Not any longer. Another reason to vote no in August on ballot measure 4.

July 4, 2008 - 12:13am | PuckFebble

Mining supporters are naive

Yes you need to look at the actions of AA and Zimbabwe. AA has long propped up the worst dictator in Africa for the last few decades. Without the royalties paid to Mugabe, he would have been out of power long ago.
Instead, despite all other respectable companies pulling out long ago, and international calls for ending further investment, and facing a potential divestment from one of Anglo's biggest investors, they say, damn the torpedos, full speed ahead. Who cares about democracy, human rights, and the international community.
These are the same imperical industrialists who want to develop the most critical fish habitat on the west coast. We dont have room for error in this. Look beyond the high gloss commercials, and see Anglo for what it is. The most irresponsible major corporation potenially in the world. Thier actions make Exxon seem like a puppy chewing shoes.
As for the Pebble partners and insulting any fellow Alaskans. I have met quite a few Pebble partners. Heard thier presentations, listened to thier proposals, lots of Canadians and of course everyone's favorite Irishman Paul "F&ck Knuckle" Henry.

Dont think for a minute that anyone employed by Pebble whether they are foreign imports or local Alaskans, they are not beholden to us, or anyone here. They do what thier corporate masters in London and Vancouver tell them.
Thinking that the actions and practices and policies of these companies is alright because it wont happen here is the most absurd thing I have heard in a long time.
The USSC has proven that the average Alaskan has little protection under the law.

July 5, 2008 - 7:53pm | njalo99

Just curious Puck

how do you sleep at night with all these boogeymen out here trying to destroy Alaska???? Should we contact Hollywood and have them set up a room next to Moulder and Scully??

July 5, 2008 - 11:56pm | PuckFebble

Hi there

Thanks for your concern about my sleep patterns. No need to bring in Hollywood, the mining companies are doing a fine enough job themselves of showing thier true colors. Little need to add to it. Either way, with thier piss poor behavior, closed salmon fisheries everywhere but BB, and the USSC telling Alaskans they have little individual or collective protection under the current laws, and holes being shot into the AAMS arguments by the AKSC, I am confident Alaskans see the writing on the wall and will do the right thing and vote to ensure clean water for future generations.

July 6, 2008 - 10:15pm | njalo99

huh

I hope for your sake that it doesn't go thru, just imagine how hard fishing in BB would be without the metals you get from mining??? BTW I also hope for clean waters for my next generation, but I am willing to work to get it done. Alaska already has the process in place, instead of new regulations how about better enforcement of the one's we already have?? We don't need more rule's just have to abide by the one's we have....how's that?? I for one would love to keep the mining companies held accountable, it is our land their mining, our resourses, what are we going to do when there gone?? If they can't do it without destroying another viable industry then I say No, won't happen, but I think this could work. By all means Voice your opinion, but don't try and shut a whole industry down. Alaskans have always found a way to make it work....so I say let's make it work for your kids and mine....

July 7, 2008 - 5:40pm | PuckFebble

A few things

Firstly, I am fully aware that mining is critical to modern life. No question, I have no problem with mining in general. Build another Red Dog and Fort Knox for all I care. What I have a problem with is Pebble and the companies wanting to develop it. There is little question with our permitting process, that a flat out no answer is virtually impossible. They(DNR) permitted Illinois Creek, despite knowing bankruptcy was likely inevitable.
As for enforcement, I am all for it. But I guarantee you, the mining companies dont want further enforcement. Because that right there will cause a shutdown. An EPA rep at Red Dog full time, would mean Red Dog being shut down.
Alaskans need to send a clear message to everyone, that irresponsible development such as Pebble will not be tolerated here. Pebble puts the last great salmon fishery at tremendous risk, no question. Why the miners are crying falsely about a shutdown while threatening an already healthy and existing industry is beyond me.
I think it would be wise for the State to put forth an advisory vote from the public on Pebble alone. Then lets see where the chips fall.

August 6, 2008 - 3:18pm | rfn

Remember

Those old style Mason jars with the glass lids?

That's what you'll be preserving dead salmon in when there are no metals to make cans.

But wait!

No, you won't because those had snap-down bails made of (gasp) METAL!

But OK....maybe somebody will come up with a new plastic, made from petroleum to save the day.

Meanwhile, the quickest way to save the salmon is to tear down that lodge!

August 7, 2008 - 1:16am | PuckFebble

What a joke

You respond to something posted a month ago, wherein I say quite clearly that I am well aware that modern life is impossible without modern mining with this?

My issue in this whole debate as I have said several times on this blog, is the location of the proposed mine, the scale and type of mining and the parent companies involved. I dont know how I could be much clearer.

You can talk about a single lodge owned by one apparently rich man all you want. There are tens of thousands of Alaskans who hadnt heard of Bob Gillam, but still think Pebble is wrong.

August 7, 2008 - 8:36am | rfn

Denial.

Not just a pipeline anymore.

Before this thing is over those tens of thousands of Alaskans will have a very clear picture of who's behind this shutdown scheme.

Sad part is nobody thought to capture that Fairbanks meeting on video. Next time for sure!

June 29, 2008 - 2:28am | njalo99

.....

Well said PMJ

5 June 27, 2008 - 12:04pm | minewatcher

I think I'll be

Watching 'So You Think You Can Dance' at that time, or basically any other show that airs on television instead

June 28, 2008 - 8:12am | jokeener

Funny

Thus, your moniker should probably be 'soyouthinkyoucandancewatcher'.

4 June 26, 2008 - 5:55pm | jcn7vc

Interesting TV Program

For those of you that are interested, there will be a documentary airing tomorrow on NBC called Faces of Alaska Mining 2008. It will start at 7pm. It focuses on the people in the mining industry in Alaska and the future of mining in Alaska. Tune in and learn something about the importance of mining in the state!

June 26, 2008 - 10:36pm | PuckFebble

Hardly

a documentary. Corporate propaganda is more accurate. I wonder how much its costs the AAMS shills to air this on network TV. And shame on them for showing this infomercial/extended campaign ad. To call this a documentary is a stretch to say the least.

June 28, 2008 - 2:04am | njalo99

An Alaskans point of view

Then I guess the RRC's ads should be on the Sci-fi channel, or maybe the Drama channel

June 28, 2008 - 8:58pm | pmjusa

RRC's ads are another genre

besides sci-fi. It's called "unreality tv."

June 27, 2008 - 9:23am | ebluemink

On that note

I'm told that the cost of this film will be included on the Alaskans Against the Mining Shutdown's APOC reports.

June 27, 2008 - 10:37am | jcn7vc

What about the RRC?

Are they going to release their spending or who is funding their efforts? Just curious...

June 27, 2008 - 11:46am | ebluemink

APOC

has a deadline coming up in mid-July for ballot groups to file their expenses. I'm crashing on some other deadlines and can't check it right now but I think I put the APOC date on one of the other Pebble blog threads dealing with the initiatives and spending.

June 27, 2008 - 10:21am | PuckFebble

Thanks

Hi There Miss Bluemink,
I appreciate the information. Any idea when that report comes available to the public?

3 June 26, 2008 - 5:49pm | pmjusa

Is Anglo American the Devil?

These accusations have all the heft of a potato chip considering the source - these Wayne's World anti-pebble bloggers. If all these horrible accusations made about AA are true, then shouldn’t they be commended for all the actions they have taken so far in their dealings as a Pebble Partner? Isn’t that a positive move?

In truth, AA’s willingness to invest in a mine here in Alaska where environmental standards are very stringent and where there is basically zero tolerance for human rights abuses doesn’t seem to be a consistent reflection of the AA caricature that Pebble opponents are drawing.

AA is taking a very pro-American stance in positioning themselves to work a mine here in Alaska. That in itself is a very positive move, one that will benefit us financially as Alaskans and generally as Americans. That should be commended and not cursed. Of course both of those are difficulties for environmentalists who also have no problem with our dependence on Wahabbis in Saudi Arabia who use their oil riches to promote their destructive anti-American ideology throughout the world. What a mistake to align with these anti-groups and their deceptive ballot measure 4 against mining.

June 26, 2008 - 10:21pm | PuckFebble

Check the sources

The accusations about Anglo are major news in Africa and the UK. The London Times, The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, Reuters, all are covering this. This is just another nail in thier credibility coffin when it comes to Pebble. I find it quite troubling they are continuing thier investment despite the international criticism, and civil war going on in that country. But this is nothing new. Anglo has mired themselves in civil war and propping up dictators for decades now. So your notion of Waynes World anti Pebble bloggers is laughable.
Also, your idea about the enviromental standards in Alaska being very stringent simply isnt true. Pebble wouldnt even be considered as a development in most western states, and not even in the home of NDM, British Columbia. The location is to critical.
To address your final paragraph I have long disagreed with American policy concerning Saudi Arabia. I say open up ANWR, and other oil fields(especially Pt. Thompson). But linking investment in Pebble as something that somehow is positive in thier relations to Alaskans is a joke. Its like saying drunk driving is alright as long as you follow all the other traffic laws. It doesnt make sense.

2 June 26, 2008 - 6:57am | minewatcher

No surprises here...

Wow, Anglo in violation of sanctions imposed on one of the most brutal dictatorial regimes in Africa?! Weird. I wonder what kind of gifts the Anglo executives and Robert Mugabe exchange at Christmas time.

June 26, 2008 - 7:36am | jokeener

Request

Would appreciate it if you would investigate your allegations and report back.

Thanks for your hard work.

1 June 25, 2008 - 11:01pm | PuckFebble

Shameful!

Further evidence that the people at Anglo American plc put production and development before anything else. Human rights be damned! It cuts into profits.
The folks who seem to be salivating about Pebble need to take a real hard look in the mirror and ask themselves if we want a company like AA doing business here.
The promises they are making, and the actual practices they have are two very different things.

June 26, 2008 - 7:35am | jokeener

Other corporations operating in Zim

include World Wildlife Fund and numerous tourist and environmental companies. Will you include them in your indictment?

Anglo began their investment in Zimbabwe over 20 years ago. I would not expect them to walk away from the huge investment they've made. The timing may not please you, but Mugabe will not last this decade.

June 26, 2008 - 12:17pm | PuckFebble

AA vs. WWF?

Give me a break. I would hardly compare some folks going on safari to a new platinum mine. AA has been propping up Mugabe for a few decades at this point. AA has the blood of tens of thousands on thier hands. While most other major corporations in the world have pulled out, AA is there to stay. Even SA appartied supporter and other Pebble Partner Rio Tinto has said they wont touch Zim. AA being in bed with Mugabe is nothing new.
Typical for that company to sleep with the devil, overlook major safety issues and watch 10s of thousands of thier employees die of AIDS, then destroy the countryside and strip people of thier lands.
It matters little to them as long as the ore keeps moving

But dont worry everyone, they wont act that way at Pebble, because the PROMISE not to! Keep in mind they told the same promises to every place they have wanted to mine.

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Anglo & Zimbabwe (Updated)