Time to Prepare
"When the time for decision arrives, the time
for preparation is past."
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We may want to thank the Front 40 and other environmental
groups for drawing our attention to the potential problems of hard rock
mining. Their answer to these problems is very simple: "Stop the Mine".
But is this the best approach? Can we stop this mine? Well, maybe ordinances
can quickly be adopted that would make it very difficult for the mining
company and they would go away. But this might create it's own problems
as governing bodies restrict the rights of local residents, business, and
community services in the process. Maybe the Mining Company, to protect
their multi million-dollar investment, would appeal to the courts to protect
their rights to do business. Maybe others would join them. How costly that
would be should the court rule in their favor. Perhaps they would lose
and go away. But the valuable minerals the world needs every day are still
there. So another mining company will come with better lawyers and after
they get all the State and Federal permits, they will mine it. How will
it be done? Will it be a spirit of contention and ill will or a spirit
of cooperation and consideration? Who would you like to deal with? Someone
who might appreciate your cooperation or someone who doesn't care? Right
now the choice is ours. We need to consider our response carefully for
we will soon reap the benefits or consequences of that choice. |
Pretending that mining has no potential for environmental
hazards or disappointments for individuals is not the answer. Blocking
mining in our own communities only moves it to foreign countries with little
regard for environmental issues, keeps needed jobs from our local economies
and compromises our national security, as we become more dependent on importing
the minerals we use every day.
The solution may be found in the "Initiative Towards Low Impact Mining and Sustainable Land Use" as proposed by Dr. Richard Gertsch, Assistant Professor of Mining Engineering, Michigan Tech University. His proposal encompasses environmental protection, motivated by more profitable mining through mine certification. It deals with problems - not by sweeping them under the rug or pretending they don't exist - but by solving them with innovation and cooperation, using proven techniques developed by others, and new technologies developed by research. It would help relieve anxiety and establish trust in the community through public meetings where impartial, knowledgeable professionals can address important questions and concerns. It would guide educators in the training of environmentally sensitive mining professionals. It truly could change the past and present to a future course of constructive progress. |
Now is not the time to decide if there will be a mine. The Exploration Company doesn't even know if they have enough minerals worth mining. However, now is the time to decide how to prepare for that day when decisions will be made. Will we think only of ourselves? If others have different opinions, will we fly in their face? Or will we treat others with respect and common courtesy, considering other ideas as we work through this difficult time of not knowing? You are a very important part of this proposal. We need your questions, concerns, comments, ideas, and support. Please consider joining with us as citizens in support of this effort so together we might make a difference not only now but also for generations to come. Imagine individuals, communities, educators, researchers, regulators, governments and businesses working together and helping each other towards a common goal of a better life and leading the way for others to follow. "Give me 10 average men who can work together and we will accomplish more than 50 extraordinary men who cannot agree." Unknown |