Mind The Mines

When greening and mining don't mix:

America now ranks second to last in the time it takes to develop a new mine -- roughly 29 years. Only Zambia is worse. "You start applying for permits," says Mills, "You're going to be waiting not months, not years, but decades!" Waiting while the NRDC sues and runs frightening anti-mine ads, saying nature will be "destroyed by a 2,000-foot gaping hole in the ground!" Mills points out their deceit. Today's mines disturb "a tiny infinitesimal pinprick in the landscape" and we do need to disturb the landscape a little, because "we need metals and materials and minerals to build everything that exists to make society possible!" I confronted NRDC spokesman Bob Deans, saying the NRDC killing mines also kills people's opportunity. He responded that "clean" energy creates jobs. "We created 50,000 new jobs in this country, putting up wind turbines, solar panels, building the next generation of energy efficient cars. This is where the future is!" "But also, you need copper and gold," I point out. "That's right," says Deans, "And we have to weigh those risks." But the NRDC doesn't weigh the risks. They just oppose American mines.

Some mines are more equal than others...