I was pleased to see the Compass piece by Tim Troll, an outspoken opponent of Pebble, endorsing "standards for responsible development" in Alaska and, specifically, offering support for the International Council on Mining and Metals ("Standards can help us develop our resources in a responsible way," Feb. 11).
When talking about Pebble, Alaskans see strong differences of opinion between the two sides of the debate and are often left wondering whom to believe. In this instance, however, we are in agreement.
As Mr. Troll indicated, the ICMM is a consortium of mining companies established to develop best practices for the industry. All ICMM members have committed to implementing the ICMM Sustainable Development Framework, along with a number of supporting position statements. Anglo American, a 50 percent partner in Pebble, is one of just 21 mining companies worldwide that have committed to ICMM best practices and was one of the original founders of the agreement endorsed by the ICMM.
Independent, third-party assessments of its members' performance against ICMM commitments identify Anglo American as one of just eight worldwide mining companies to receive an A-plus in each year reporting has occurred.
Anglo American's values are at the foundation of all we do and they guide how we operate and interact with others. These values include safety, innovation, collaboration, accountability, integrity, care and respect. ICMM's values are nearly identical: care, respect, integrity, accountability and collaboration. Each day we demonstrate our understanding of the challenges we face and the way we strive to place sustainability at the heart of decision-making across all of our operations.
We all use cell phones, computers, cars and other consumer goods that create the demand for mining. Our choice is to drive mineral development in a responsible manner. Anglo American's participation in the ICMM serves as just one of our endorsements for change and continual improvement.
We are often reminded of poor rather than modern mining practices. Fortunately, in recent decades, we have seen vast improvements. Of the more than 3,300 plans of operation approved in the United States since 1990, none has been placed on the CERCLA National Priorities List (Superfund sites). Historical mining practices are being eliminated as companies usher in a new era of responsible development.
The ICMM best practices that Troll endorses can be seen firsthand at Pebble. Troll calls for scientific information generated by mining companies to be made available to the public. Pebble has recently done just that, well in advance of entering the permitting process, by releasing its Environmental Baseline Document.
In fact, Pebble has invested more than $120 million to develop one of the most comprehensive environmental baseline documents ever produced in Alaska -- and perhaps the United States -- for a project of this kind. It will be an environmental and socioeconomic asset for the Bristol Bay region for decades to come. These extensive studies highlight key data that will provide the foundation for developing a mine plan that delivers on Pebble's commitment to protect the environment and the fishery resources in the region.
Further to this commitment, earlier this month, Pebble held a series of workshops for state and federal permitting agencies. Pebble opened these meetings to tribal representatives from the region and provided the opportunity for members of the public to participate. Videos of each presentation, along with more than 25,000 pages of independent baseline studies, can be accessed at www.pebbleresearch.com.
This ongoing debate about Pebble has divided Alaskans. The recent SOS initiative in the Lake and Peninsula Borough was decided by just 34 votes -- an outcome far below that anticipated by Pebble opponents and one that suggests the region is eager for more information about the project. Pebble is committed to providing this information as it prepares to enter the permitting phase.
Anglo American's involvement as a partner in the project will ensure that the best practices and values of the ICMM process will be central to responsibly moving Pebble forward toward development for the benefit of all Alaskans. We encourage the public to review Pebble's studies and engage themselves meaningfully in the discussion, as we are all stakeholders in this important development project.
Jason Brune is the public affairs and government relations manager for Anglo American US (Pebble) LLC. He served as the executive director of the Resource Development Council 2006-2011.
By JASON BRUNE