Index IntroductionEconomic impacts of the Pebble MineThe environmental impacts of the Pebble MineCultural importance of Bristol BayConclusionIntroductionBristol Bay is home to 35 species of fish and in particular 15 of the Salmonnidae family. (Chambers, Moran & Trasky, 2012) A vital ecosystem that is a hotspot for biodiversity, Bristol Bay is home to young salmon maturing in lakes and rivers and adult salmon returning to spawn. Threatening these species currently is the prospect of the largest mine planned in Alaska. 10.8 billion tons of ore can be mined to meet global demand for copper, gold and molybdenum. Under the responsibility of Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd and Anglo American PLC, this Pebble limited liability company threatens the local environment due to large-scale operations and the processes involved which are dangerous, for example acid mine drainage. The potential for a spill would devastatingly harm salmon populations and the species that depend on them. It is necessary to invoke the precautionary principle to temporarily ban the mine because the benefits of the mine do not outweigh the risks involved. This essay seeks to explore the benefits and risks associated with the mine to demonstrate why the mine should not be allowed to operate from now. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Economic Impacts of the Pebble Mine In the initial production phase (IPP) alone, the mine will generate 14,450 jobs and the expected annual contribution from the Pebble Mine will increase to more than $1.1 billion. (IHS 2013) The estimated value of the mineral is between $350 and $500 billion. By 2050, global demand for copper is projected to increase 2.75 times more than its value in 2010 if left solely to the market and will likely be exhausted by 2038. (Elshkaki, Graedel, Ciacci, & Reck, 2016) at its highest level, the copper recycling rate is only 17.5%. (ICSG, 2012) Because we are unable to efficiently recycle the copper in our products to meet the growing demand for copper, we must mine the copper. Therefore, the economic benefit of obtaining copper ore can be supported by the PLP in order for the mine to be approved. While this is true, we must also consider the opportunity costs of the mine being built. Currently, Bristol Bay salmon contributes an annual gross income of $179.83 million and creates 5,490 jobs. The construction of the mine could cause the collapse of this industry, heavily affecting stakeholders who depend on salmon for their livelihood, such as private sport fishing lodges in the area. (Holley & Mitcham, 2016) Furthermore, environmental damage such as the loss of marine nutrients and local cultural identity to which these salmon contribute cannot be easily quantified in economic values. Therefore, uncertainty about the true economic value may cause difficulties in supporting the construction of the mine. The Environmental Impact of the Pebble Mine When deciding whether to proceed with mine construction, the importance of salmon in the Alaskan ecosystem cannot be ignored. . It is likely that the construction of the mine would have some environmental impact, although its extent is questionable. During the mining process, acid mine drainage can occur when exposed sulfide ore is oxidized to sulfuric acid. Since Pebble is one of the largest copper and gold mines (Rosen, 2017),large-scale operation involves difficulties in managing and applying operational procedures. Since salmon is an important player in the ecosystem, being an essential prey for more than 138 animal species. (Pebble Mine Report) Therefore, when acid mine drainage leaks due to improper acid treatment or handling, the pH of the environment, especially in the watershed, can be reduced, affecting salmon in many ways, for example on its reproductive cycle and the behavior of fish. (Chambers et al., 2012) When keystone species are affected, the entire ecosystem can very easily fall out of balance, causing catastrophic and irreversible damage. As part of the permitting process, the PLP must submit numerous applications, such as the Environmental Impact Statement (EIA) and a detailed mining plan documenting construction, operation and other processes. As of now, the PLP has been relatively transparent about its actions. For example, during the Pebble Mine Dialogue, the PLP shared a portable document format of the underlying studies, data that the public is typically unable to access. Anglo American also highlighted that they highly value the social license and opinions of local people. (Holley & Mitcham, 2016) Transparency is highly valued by the public and reflects mining companies' efforts to act in an environmentally friendly manner. However, these attempts can also be considered manipulative in nature. Although companies can operate without obtaining a social license, the concept of cooperative social responsibility is commonly used to increase the company's reputation in the eyes of the public, in addition to the fact that operating without a social license can be more difficult and expensive. (Holley & Mitcham, 2016) Given that the industry is unreliable in applying environmentally friendly practices (Pebble Mine report), uncertainty due to the unreliability of the mining industry would mean that high risks associated with environmental impacts would be likely. Furthermore, salmon are essential in ensuring that nutrients from the sea are recycled into the Bristol Bay ecosystem. Salmon, being a migratory fish, allows oligotrophic lakes and rivers to obtain essential nutrients. (Stockner & Ashley, 2003) Finally, because the area surrounding the proposed mine site is an area of ​​high seismic activity, (REYNOLDS, KIEKOW, LACKEY, & SKOGLUND, 2012) mining activity could trigger earthquakes that would threaten people's lives. humans living in the area and damaging the ecosystem. Mining activity, for example, in the Rudna mine, has been shown to induce earthquakes. (Orlecka-Sikora, 2010) Therefore, given the uncertainty and unpredictability of earthquakes in the region, structures housing waste rock and tailings must be protected from seismic activity, albeit an impossible task as it is expected that earthquakes will have large magnitudes. The environmental impact when this happens will be devastating due to the amount of acid mine drainage released into the environment. Cultural Importance of Bristol BayBristol Bay is important to indigenous tribes who disagree with the construction of the mine. (Holley & Mitcham, 2016) They have depended on salmon as a method of sustenance for thousands of years. (Rahr) The Newhalen community relies heavily on salmon as a source of income, accounting for up to 73% of the catch in 2004. (Fall, Holen, Davis, Krieg, & Koster, 2006) Even today, thousands of people continue to fish salmon culture and tradition based on culture. Therefore, the risk of damaging the ecosystem through the construction of the mine would further threaten the already existing ones.