Commentary
In Ely, a wilderness issue divides neighbors again
By Steve Piragis
Steve Piragis is proprietor of Piragis Northwoods Co. in Ely, Minn.
Living up north, especially in Ely, is always interesting. It seems we have learned to live together in a place where opinions on land use issues are about as polarized as those on abortion.
We had the big wilderness fights of the 1970s, complete with bumper stickers saying "Sierra Club, Kiss My Axe" and a roadblock by logging trucks of a major BWCA entry road. And, of course, the hanging in effigy of Sigurd Olson. Simmering now for years in the background have been numerous smaller debates, always pitting wilderness advocates against the motorized-use folks. Courts usually resolve these disputes after years of rankling.
A new big debate is here now. It's all about what some call copper nickel mining and some call sulfide ore mining. With the reappearance of competing bumper stickers, we'll soon see how Ely handles this one.
Nancy Piragis and I opened a little wilderness shop on Ely's Main Street in 1979. We arrived on the scene just as the new, more restrictive wilderness laws went into effect. We prospered by offering the latest in lightweight canoes and gear to people coming to Ely to paddle.
We believe that our continued success depends on the Boundary Waters remaining pristine. We worry about new mines harvesting minerals that are far more toxic to the ecosystem than the more innocuous iron ores of the past century. Large mining firms from Chile and Canada have discovered dense seams of precious minerals like palladium and platinum to go along with the copper and the nickel. Of course all are in high demand worldwide for the products we all use in our daily lives.
No doubt these mines will employ people, not in numbers like iron mines but enough to bring kids back to Ely schools and dollars to grocers, bars and clothiers. The catch is: This mining is risky. No such mine operates anywhere in the world without some deleterious effect on the local ecosystem. In our region, the rich veins of minerals lie just outside the BWCA Wilderness, close to the Kawishiwi River and directly upstream from the famous Basswood and Crooked Lakes.
I don't believe that anyone, including the mining executives, wants to damage the waters of the BWCA. I also believe that everyone, including those in the business of engineering these mines, would agree that this is not a risk-free business. We depend on the DNR, the PCA and the EPA to work with environmental engineers and mining engineers to minimize these risks or to find the risks too great to proceed.
As an outfitter who uses the BWCA, and the Kawishiwi watershed specifically, there is another risk. The paddling public is aware of what is going on. The perception in these folks' minds that the waters they so love could become acidified or polluted with heavy metals could be as harmful to our business as the reality.
Turning the Kawishiwi into a mining district could make our valued customers look elsewhere for a more pure experience. The Ely Chamber has used that theme to advertise Ely for a few years now. "The Last Great Pure Experience" may become tarnished enough to drive our customers to new paddling realms. Ely's vaunted Main Street of outfitters, mukluk shops and gourmet restaurants could start to look a bit more like the mining towns of the past.
Comments (24)
Well, Steve, nothing lasts forever. You and Nancy have had a good run, since 1979.
If your customers paddle elsewhere, you and Nancy could pack up your wares and follow.
Or, you could change your merchandise to the new Ely style.
In any case, at least this time you are being honest that it is all about your own wealth. Good luck.
The characteristics of this Wilderness area are a highly, may I say, priceless natural resource. This value far exceeds the value of the metals that lay near it. The metals are finite in quantity. The wilderness qualities are without end only if protected.
I'd like to think that we can have both, and some places we can. But not in this case. If there is a God that concerns her/himself with this sort of thing, I think their thought would be "This is a test people, do you need to sacrifice this for your cell phones and batteries?"
Jobs in the tourism industry can last indefinitely. We need that mind-set. We need to say no to these far flung mining corporations and self serving politicians. We need to create sustainable economys in our rural places and pay the real price of this consumer culture. Reduce, reuse, recycle applies to more than plastic water bottles.
Nothing lasts forever so we might as well ruin it now. Who cares about fish and wildlife, and food and clean water and all that crap. We can just grow bio engineered isolated soy goop and live off that.
Steve makes a good point that the perception of those that love the BWCA is at stake here. I, too, believe that no one involved on either side of this issue wants to damage the BWCA. So let's stop spreading false propaganda that mining will destroy the BWCA. That is just not true! Let's talk about what we do know.
We know the Ely area operated five underground mines blasting the bedrock below us as late as the 1960's without destroying our waters. We know that we now have a much better understanding of the need to protect our environment while extracting the minerals our society needs. We know that no mining will take place in the BWCA. We know that only an extremely small portion of the BWCA's over one million acres will be anywhere near either of the proposed mines. We know that the proposed mines that are within the same watershed as the BWCA are working with the DNR, PCA, MDH, EPA, and numerous other federal agencies to protect the land and waters we all love.
Let's not blindly yell that mines will destroy our waters.
Lets work together to get these minerals we need, the exports our country needs, the jobs our area needs and the kids that our schools need. We can stop our dependency on foreign metals. We can protect our earth by making sure mining is done here responsibly. Copper/nickel/precious metal mines can and should exist side by side with tourism and our pristine wilderness.
I would not be against mining if I could get an ironclad guarantee that there would be no pollution. The current mining backers have a very poor record....100% pollution.
Steve's right. All the rhetoric that the anti-mining people are sending out will drive tourists away.
A recent survey found that fewer and fewer people are even coming to the Boundary Waters. Young people don't seem to be very interested in canoeing or fishing. They are more interested in all their electronics.
True environmentalists would work with the mines to assure that any mining is done responsibly. Instead these anti-mining activists put out decades old propaganda and refuse to acknowledge that new, cleaner, safer technology is now available.
They say "this isn't your father's mining", and they are right. This is new, 21st century mining.
I agree with everything Albert Forsman said. Let's talk about what we do know and not all the scare tactics that may very put an end to people wanting to come to the Boundary Waters.
The main thing to remember is that this kind of mining is different from the mining in the past and has a near flawless record of polluting. We're not talking about a risk-; we are talking about a certainty. They even flunked by EPA standards, which is saying a lot. These jobs will come and go but the damage will be permanent.
Yes Steve, you have thrived in Ely, with it's army of people desperate enough to work for you on a seasonal basis with no benefits.
Outfitters alone can not support this town. If Mr. Piragas would take the time to google "environmentally responsible sulfide mines", he may learn something.
The comments by Terry and Harold are typical of pro-mining advocates.
Steve took care to write a article that fairly and respectfully represents BOTH sides of the debate, only to be insulted by narrow-minded, intolerant people with no respect for any opinions which differ from their own. They represent the reason why it is so difficult to have a civil, mature conversation about this topic.
I googled "environmentally responsible sulfide mining" and learned nothing, Harold. The only time a mine has operated and not violated water quality standards in that area are in deserts (where there is no water) or when they had been granted an exemption.
An "environmentally responsible" sulfide mine is a contradiction of terms that has yet to exist anywhere.
Could someone please define "pristine" for me? This seems to be a charged word with no real definition. It seems some activities (motors, mining, dogs, sails) invalidate an area from being "pristine" while others (massive crowds and over use) don't. I think if you advertise an area as pristine then it is pristine in the public eye. If you say it isn't then it isn't. I have been going to the BWCA since the mid 1970's and the Boundary Waters are no where near pristine in my opinion, but a trampled state fair grounds. It has always been so busy you can't find wood or berries or convenient entry points most of the time and the foot paths are worn like old carpet. The bears make the rounds of avaiable campsites like shoppers at a mall. I have lost count of the times I have ended up in competition for a campsite. How is this "pristine"? It is an artificially controlled ecosystem. To me it seems like just marketing. If the Boundary Waters are still able to maintain a "pristine" association in it's current state then I think maintaining that perception shouldn't be too difficult even with mining. And I think businesses like steve's will be fine- if not thrive. This doesn't mean that I trust the mining, but I just don't agree with Steve's argument that the "pristine" perception will be ruined and the economics will suffer.
Show us one sulfide mine that has Not a negative impact on the local Eco-system! If you honestly believe that a sulfide mine located on the headwaters of a flowage system is not a hazard, then you seriously have ulterior motives. All it would take is one heavy rain and all the rivers and lakes down-stream are in jeopardy. Use some common sense, ditch the greed, keep our ecology as pristine as possible... Oh, and I suggest that if you don't agree with what I've stated, then pack up your belongings and move! ( I hear land is selling for really cheap in Fukushima Japan)
The only people that make a real living in a tourist based economy are the owners. To those that move here if you are so anti-mining, anti-logging,
anti-multi use. Why would move to Ely in the first place? You then have to put with Ely people & Ely attitudes. Go to Tofte or G. Marais. You are the ones who need to "Pack up your belongings and move!"
Then our lives will be better
Great idea, scott. OCCUPY ELY!
I'm quite sure I could find some like-minded folks there...
No one has yet mentioned that the Ely mine is estimated to be "the largest mine in North America" according to a mineweb article about the project. And there has never been a non polluting sulfide mine anywhere in the world, so new technology is untested. Don't turn the Lake Superior watershed and the chain of BWCAW lakes into a mining test site. Prove it or move it.
Not a good idea. You would not mix with the majority. Like I said, go to Tofe or G. Marais, and do not forget your rose colored glasses. By the way I am sure are glad to know we will have good cell service!
Look at the legacy of blood, sweat and tears...
Do you really want to impose this upon the children and all future generations? Do you really think polymet cares one iota about anyone or their families? If precious metals are needed so bad, just open the doors of fort Knox....
Btw, the lovely people of Grand Marais (and everyone in the lake Superior Watershed) have every right to voice their concern...
Follow the water...
Follow the money...
Is it for "the Greatest and highest Good"?
About 7years ago I happened to sit down next to a sulfide mining exploratory team in the Grand Marais area. He wondered "why people did not like mining companies"? I responded with "that what you leave behind is never good"! He mentioned that "we do all that we are required to do, as required by the Government". My question was "is that all that should be done"? Crazy enough he said "no, but that is what is required". So, when you look at it and you know they are not doing enough, they know they are not doing enough, but they are still trying to reduce the EPA rules and regs., And thanks to our Representative Cravack, for trying to put them on the fast track to permitting approval, you should know that you could be screwed if you do not stand up and say or do something! No developer ever put a dollar amount on how much non development is worth. If you value non development, let it be known what it is worth to you.
Somehow, anyone saying no has to justify it in some way, rather than the other way around with its wonderful record. 1: I will remind everyone this is public land; we are giving this away for eternity for outside investors. 2: Other than wages, which are a pittance of the profits, someone else takes the money. The profits will not stay here and will not benefit us. The company will pass that bill off, no matter what. 3: The environment will never be the same. Ever. It won't. It will change the landscape forever. It will destroy the place 4: Most likely They will declare bankruptcy right before all their financial and regulatory obligations come due. That's what corporations do. Always. 5: Our children and grandchildren will not benefit and end up footing the bill, like every other single mine ever done. This for the profits of foreign investors now. 6: The communities will end up in the same boat they are now. One population of haves, co-opted and essentially slaves to the destructive process. another of have nots, desperate and trapped out on the edge, untrained and unable to cope with anything else. As the commodity cycles wax and wane, or when nanotech invents methods replacing the material, the communities will end up like all resource extraction based communities (like the range is now), as non-places, filled with alcohol, drugs and desperate people. That is why I am against it. Handing over our world and towns to profit taking land rapists is not the way to live.
Additional Reading Materials On The Topic:
ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE MINING with examples of environmentally responsible sulfide mines.
http://technology.infomine.com/enviromine/publicat/enviroresponse.html
Some Current Projects:
http://www.polymetmining.com/development-environ-mining.php
http://www.twin-metals.com/
Mining History:
http://www.miningartifacts.org/Minnesota-MInes.html
Where tax revenues go:
http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/businesses/mineral/Documents/2011_mining_guide.pdf
Active Mines In Minnesota:
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/mpes_projects/mn_mines_color_webversion_2011_12.pdf
More Information And Links Here:
https://www.facebook.com/wesupportmining
I believe Steve is right on with his assessment of this issue. I too,as are many of my friends Artists who have been making our living in the shadow of this wilderness and what it means to the world. This tourist/Arts based economy is a viable sustainable environment that has been strong for decades and will continue to be strong unless we throw the baby out with the bathwater and sell out to these outside mining interests. One thing I do not agree with is Steve's assessment of the Tourism base going elsewhere. Oh maybe for a while they may move up to the area near Grand Marais MN or across the border into Canada but I strongly believe if these mining companies get their way they will NOT stop at Ely but will not be happy till they are Drilling at the foot of the Witch Tree (Spirit Little Cedar Tree on the Anishanabe Reservation) near the far Eastern edge of the Minnesota border near Grand Portage after stripping the Native Community of all of their rights in the name of Patriotism!
The rock in the proposed mining area contains sulfides naturally. When sulfuric rock comes into contact with air or water, it can change to sulfuric acid. Mining companies are proposing the removal of 80,000 tons of sulfide bearing rock per day, crushing it to remove the trace metals, and discarding as waste 79,200 tons per day in pits lined with rubber or something that will prevent acid from leaching into the water. Scientists say that this rock will leach contaminants for 2,000 years or so, but the mining companies won't agree to the" Prove it First" because within about ten years on average, every other mine waste site leaches toxic pollutants, and NO mine has operated a copper nickel operation without polluting. If the mining companies were simply willing to pay the clean up costs, up front, and put their money where their mouth is, maybe the public wouldn't be so suspicious of their motives. Even so, there is no metal that is worth the risk to 10 percent of the world's fresh water.
I find it interesting that individuals often paint mining in black and white terms. Technology exists to mine safely now and is quite a bit more regulated than in past history. A few of you likely don't know that there is an active taconite mine located within 15 miles of Ely now near Babbitt and another mine operated near there previously. Mines have blasted some sulfide bearing rock and it is managed by Minnesota regulation according to the mine plan.
The current mine has operated for many years now: Mine in Babbitt and processing plant in Silver Bay.It is operated now by a different company than originally
and is overseen by Minnesota regulation. It is one of the major employers in this area and does support our communities, schools and people where there is little
else going on in the way of jobs. Many examples of older mines exist.
http://www.silverbay.com/history.htm
The upcoming mine (Twin Metals) near the Babbitt-Ely area will be underground and will have an even smaller footprint. Visit their website for more information.
This project will be highly regulated and rightfully so, we live here and are watching as well. So will all of the regulatory agencies hence the lengthy permitting process.
More information: http://www.miningminnesota.com/nonferrous.php
Do you notice that active open pit mine now when you use the Hwy 1 road construction bypass through Babbitt. It quite likely it isn't noticed at all unless you are actually looking for the entrance. Perception.
It is sad that so many folks are so needy and not economics savvy, that they are ready to give this resource away. Anyone with any business sense knows that if you have a resource or commodity that is valuable you hold out for the buyer to meet your expectations. The metals aren't going anywhere. Make these large wealthy corporations financially commit to protecting our ecosystem and people.
Sure, tourism is a contributor to our economy and has always been significant to Ely, but let’s look at the bigger picture. Baby boomers are getting older and increasingly larger numbers of younger generations are simply not interested in going to the BWCAW like they used to do. And, while less people are coming to the BWCA, our costs in this area continue to rise which translates to higher taxes for those of us who live and support this area year ‘round. Regarding copper- nickel, maybe you environmentalists can come up with a way to not exploit third world countries for the vast amounts of these metals you ALL use every day. All of you use computers, cell phones, and many drive battery operated cars. Maybe you could provide a world solution instead of condemning a small town that has the ability within its reach to produce solutions responsibly. To me, when a person with integrity says they care about the environment, they actually care about the whole world’s environment and not just their 3-4 day vacation in the BWCA. What I do not understand is how you can condemn something you have no degree in and no experience in while using old facts. How is this even possible for supposed people of integrity and intelligence? I believe all Ely businesses should stand together to improve Ely instead of one or two of them trying to divide the town for their own personal financial gain. It’s time that the environmentalists stop attacking us by misrepresenting the facts!
Post a comment
Please be civil, brief and relevant.
E-mail addresses are never displayed but they are required to confirm your comments. All comments are moderated. MPR reserves the right to edit any comments on this site and to read them on the air with attribution. Please read the Terms and Conditions before posting.
You must be 13 or over to submit information to Minnesota Public Radio. The information entered into this form will not be used to send unsolicited e-mail and will not be sold to a third party. For more information see Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
