WON CAMPAIGN - SENDING A CLEAR MESSAGE
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
The message is simple and to the point. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is standing firm on their commitment to protect the resources of the land and will not risk the planet over profits or exchange water over nickel.
A mammoth-sized billboard with big bold colors has been placed in front of a tapestry of open space lined with towering pine trees. The message: Planet over profits. This billboard is located at the intersection of Minnesota State Highways 169/65, just miles from the location of the proposed Talon nickel mine in Tamarack.
Talon Metals Corp. submitted the project’s Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to the Minnesota DNR on June 21. The Band has completed a thorough review of the EAW and shared the initial feedback, questions, and concerns. The Band has participated in some early conversations in which Talon has shared general information and claims that they can mine safely. But to date, Talon has yet to provide data or specific project plans that show this type of mining can be done “without great risk to Minnesota’s natural resources and watersheds, and our way of life,” Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Commissioner of Natural Resources Kelly Applegate said. The Band is doing everything in their power to protect the resources. The Band's concerns do not end at the Reservation boundary. "It is our duty and responsibility to protect what the Creator has given us all to use. The land and the water doesn't belong to us; we are here to be caretakers," Applegate said. However, Applegate said there has only been information shared from Talon to the Band trying to explain how the mine would operate “safely.” Applegate is not convinced, and would like to see the data that supports their claims. “We are not for sale,” he said. “It is simple. Planet over profit.”
The data according to the federal EPA states that nickel mining is the most toxic mining in the industry. The track record globally for mining sites is that they always lead to pollution of water and land. Yet Talon continues to claim, without showing proof of data, that their process is different and can be done safely with little risk of pollution. Talon has also announced plans to pursue research necessary for integrating carbon capture from the proposed mining site. While the possibilities of carbon capture are intriguing, more research is necessary as to the risks involved in the entire process from start to finish. Carbon capture at mining sites may prove to be more smoke and mirrors, or greenwashing.
“The more informed the Band can be, the better prepared the Band will be to continue the fight to protect the resources in our care,” Applegate said.
There is no Plan B for the planet. Help send the Planet over Profit message. You can get involved and show your support for Water over Nickel. Yard signs are now available at no charge that you can place in your yard. You may pick up a sign at the DNR office or at any of the Mille Lacs Band community centers.