It’s time to take the fear out of mining

I feel happy when I hear the radio commercials for shutdown.com. Quite to the fact, whether you’re an Alaska native or not, you have everything to gain by making the mining industry comply with clean water and habitat protection. The foreign mining industry comes to Alaska with deep pockets and takes advantage of our less-than-protective regulations, then uses fear of economic loss of the Red Dog Mine to scare us into line.

Fear tactics won’t work on Alaskans because we really care about the state. It is part of our family, and it’s home to our souls.

These foreign mining companies could take a clue about good ecological behavior from the oil companies. Look how they have protected our environment with promises from the possibility of any contamination whatsoever, and look at the tremendous results. Accidents do happen, and we can’t promise away that possibility. At the same time, look at the marvelous job done at the Red Dog mine; now there’s a site that will be pristine forever. We should advertise worldwide at the perfect record of no contamination of the habitat near the mine. Using the soil and water near the mine, we could grow crops and nourish the state’s children with the assurance that there is nothing to fear. Any takers or volunteers on that idea? Of course not, but why not look into the possibility of changing mining practices to become environmentally friendly to eliminate the fears we all have. It should have been done long ago.

Are temporary jobs worth permanent danger to the habitat and local residents using the old methods of mining? Mining companies, give me real proof that lead contamination, arsenic contamination, blasting fertilizer contamination, cyanide contamination and any other dangerous mining chemical contamination will not hurt the Bonanza Hills and all the associated drainages to Bristol Bay, or change the way you mine.

The mining industry takes a very short-sided view for its stockholders. Any company in the 21st century has to know that any pollution or ecological damage done to Alaska’s habitat will bring our nation to bear on them. Our president and governor will protect our nation and the Last Frontier to the fullest extent of the law. That part of their oaths of office.

We won’t tolerate ecological terrorism in America, therefore fix the mining problem before you mine. Leave the old mining methods behind. Just as the world is looking at the way pollution is affecting our climate, we should be looking at what is happening to the habitat supporting the biology that supports that climate. You mining companies could become the vanguard of global change for industry. You could be a first positive step in making the world a better place for the future, and your support base would increase. Isn’t it time we put profits on hold and make changes that our children will thank us for? The days of wealth created at the expense of our world are over. It is time to face the challenge of protecting our children’s future

I hope foreign mining companies will do the right thing when it comes to our state and its people. Make us confident you will come around and protect all Alaska habitat until the end of time. After all, you will be with us from now on, and I know you will want to make sure all your profits will be equally shared by all Alaskans just as the oil companies have with our permanent fund. I know you want to be partners in keeping Alaska pristine with no footprints and leave a healthy legacy for all future generations of Alaskans. The title “Greatland” was given to this land expressing experiences, hopes and dreams to be passed on to every resident. We are proud of this wonderland and want it to stay as good now and in the future as when we found it.

I want to feel confident that not one fish or animal will ever suffer from exposure to any chemicals or accidents, nor should the residents of Alaska ever fear for themselves or of losing any value to their land, fisheries or tourism. Because you, the foreign mining companies, have assured us this. Can I believe you 100 percent? I will start to believe you once you have changed your methods of improving mining sites to having zero effect on all the habitat. No more do we want to hear the words “Superfund,” “Love Canal,” “dead zones” or “disaster.” These should be things of the past.

Many of you have known me here in Alaska for 36 years, as I have surveyed and fished over much of this state. My family is here, and I want Alaska to be safe for all its people and the habitat. I want mining to prosper, but let’s make mines safe for our environment too. Show me this miners: get rid of the chemicals, become a BP-type of company that now has changed to a green energy company. You can’t shove this mine down our throats, so let’s make it work for Alaska.

At the same time, let’s not forget this quote from Winston Churchill: “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.” Churchill said this while his land was in threat of danger and annihilation. Mining companies, you have the resources to change the way you mine. Make me a real believer and become green miners.

Mike Sparks is a Wasilla resident and owner of Alaska Net & Supply in Dillingham.