Anglo American Pulls Out of Pebble Mine Project
Anglo American PLC announced on September 16, 2013 that it would withdraw from the proposed Pebble mine venture.
For many years a coalition of Native Alaskans, commercial and recreational fishermen, jewelry retailers and environmentalists have all been working to convince Anglo American that the Pebble Mine proposal would pose risks to great to accept for the wild salmon and way of life of communities in the Bristol Bay watershed. As part of that coalition, Nunamta Aulukestai and Earthworks are pleased that Anglo American recognizes this risk, and respects the opposition of local communities in its decision to pull back from the project.
Anglo had owned 50% of the Pebble Limited Partnership, and will be forfeiting hundreds of millions in investments and penalties associated with the project. Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani stated that the company’s “focus has been to prioritise capital to projects with the highest value and lowest risks within our portfolio…”
Though Anglo-American’s departure is a promising sign, the proposed Pebble Mine is still on the table. Northern Dynasty, the owner of remaining half of the project, and its investors, including mining giant Rio Tinto, continue to support the development of the Pebble Mine, putting Bristol Bay’s returning salmon and the communities who depend on it at risk.
Press Statement from Nunamta Aulukestai chairman Luki Akelkok Sr.
September 16, 2013 | Nunamta Aulukestai
Press Statement from Earthworks’ director Jennifer Krill
September 16, 2013 | Earthworks
Press Statement from Anglo American re: Pebble Project
September 16, 2013 | Anglo American
Northern Dynasty Plunges as Anglo Exits Pebble
September 16, 2013 | Bloomberg
Anglo American pulls out of Alaska mines project
September 16, 2013 | The Guardian
Anglo American mining executives visit Alaska
March 31, 2009 | Anchorage Daily News
Anglo chairman's visit to Bristol Bay region
March 30, 2009 | Elizabeth Bluemink’s Anchorage Daily News blog, The Pebble Blog
Anglo Meeting In Dillingham
March 30, 2009 | KDLG Radio Listen to audio | Download audio ( Right-click to save target as)
KTVA-TV Anchorage, Alaska, March 30th 2009
March 30th 2009 | KTVA-TV Anchorage