Irresponsible Pebble Mine Project Loses Major Investor

ANCHORAGE, AK – Last week, Northern Dynasty Minerals, the owner of the Pebble Mine project, announced that its major investor, First Quantum Minerals, has terminated investment in the project in a major blow to the irresponsible development. The Pebble Mine project has been proposed for Bristol Bay, home to one of the world’s largest salmon runs that feed into the ecosystems of Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks.

Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks attracted over 60,000 visitors in 2017 for premier wildlife viewing for Alaska brown bears that travel to the parks each spring to feast on salmon. The development of Pebble Mine would contribute to water and air pollution in this ecosystem and put wildlife at risk. The termination of this investment puts the dangerous project one step closer to halting development for good.

Statement by Jim Adams, Alaska Regional Director for National Parks Conservation Association

“By ending its stake in Pebble Mine, First Quantum Minerals has recognized that the most important investment one can make in Bristol Bay is in protecting Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks and the Bristol Bay ecosystem . This is yet another large mining company that has prioritized Bristol Bay’s world-famous salmon fishery over dirty development of an area that communities and wildlife depend on.

“Pebble Mine would irreversibly damage the salmon runs that run through Bristol Bay with pollution and development, and the project has been met by widespread opposition from Alaskans. It is time for Northern Dynasty Minerals, the owner of the Pebble Mine project, to close up shop in Bristol Bay for the sake of our communities, wildlife and world-famous national parks.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its 1.3 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.