Concerns about mining activity in northeastern Minnesota will be shared with a Fort Frances audience next week.
Members of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters say a proposed sulfide-ore copper mine could impact border waters.
The area that a Chilean firm has mineral rights to drains into the Rainy Lake basin.
National Campaign Chair Becky Rom says the company is working just as quickly to get moving with its plans.
“The Chilean mining company is going full bore and gathering support for its plans while we’re trying to educate folks about the cost to society if we have negative impacts to our protected lands,” says Rom.
Rom says the Canadian government has also questioned the impact on border waters.
“Asking how the US government plan to address cross-boundary impacts to water quality. As far as I know, the government of Canada has not received a reply.”
Rom says it’s an unusual area to have mining and because of its uniqueness, it’s also so vulnerable.
“It’s a new type of mining not yet launched. This is the right time to be raising concerns and to really be doubling down on science and to make sure everybody who has an interest in protecting our clean waters is involved.”
The public can learn more about the campaign at a session on Wednesday, August 14 at the Fort Frances Public Library from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
