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Once nearly dead, the proposal to build a massive open-pit copper and gold mine on pristine wetlands in southwest Alaska is gaining new momentum. The Trump Administration is more favorable to the Pebble Mine project and the company pitching it is promising it will be smaller and more environmentally responsible. Some Alaska Natives representing villages closer to the proposed mine site say it offers much-needed jobs. But resistance against the mine remains strong, especially near the commercial fishing hub of Dillingham. Opponents say just building the mine would damage critical salmon spawning habitat and an accident could be disastrous to the billion dollar fishing industry. We’ll talk with representatives from both sides and hear from a reporter who just completed a five-part series weighing the threat to the environment and Indigenous cultures with the promise of economic benefit.
Guests:
Alannah Hurley (Yupik) – executive director of the United Tribes of Bristol Bay
Mike Heatwole – vice president of public affairs for The Pebble Partnership
Daysha Eaton – independent journalist
Break Music: Duck and Dive (song) Red Bull (artist) Live in Minnesota (album)
