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.