Rivers Without Borders and our partners have been confronting proposed mining in headwaters of the Chilkat river at the north end of the Alaska panhandle. The Palmer project is backed partially by a Canadian company called American Pacific and particularly, and with most of the financing, by the large Japanese company DOWA. Now DOWA is backing out: Japanese smelting giant pulls out of major Southeast Alaska mining project.
DOWA’s departure of course doesn’t necessarily imperil the mining proposal, but it certainly isn’t a favorable development for proponents of the venture.
There are no doubt multiple reasons explaining why this is happening, but growing opposition and increasing interest in a sustainable future for the spectacular, ecologically rich Chilkat Valley are factors. Rivers Without Borders continues to work closely with the Chilkat Tribe – holding fast on this issue – and Lynn Canal Conservation, Takshunuk Watershed Council, and SEACC, who have done much to bring attention to the Palmer issue and raise needed questions. The ongoing Earthjustice lawsuit challenging crucial exploration permitting is also a factor. And local controversy around the mining issue’s related harbor upgrade proposal continues to plague proponents. The Palmer project has less Haines support now than was previously the case, and outreach and education has made a big difference. At the moment it seems like investors aren’t seeing the Palmer project as a good bet, and if not positive news for mining interests, it’s a good thing for the Chilkat.
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