Copper Nickel Mining
In the Boundary Waters
What is the Boundary Waters?
The BWCA(Boundary Waters Canoe Area) is a 1,098,000 acres area inside of the Superior National Forest. It has been given protection under the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act of 1978. Its located in a region of wilderness on the Canada-United states border where it has become a popular tourist spot because of its amazing canoeing opportunities and beautiful scenery. It has around 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails, and roughly 2,000 campsites. Long ago the boundary waters were carved into the earth by glaciers, it left behind rock formations, rocky shores and sandy beaches.
What is Copper Sulphide Mining?
It is the extraction of copper and nickels from sulphide ores. The focus of this type of mining revolves around the New Range Copper Nickel Project, and projects like the PolyNet Mining, which has raised concerns for environmental pollution.
When bringing the sulphide to the surface it is exposed to air and water turning it into sulphuric acid.
Why Copper Sulphide Mining is Good?
In Minnesota it can provide jobs and provide materials for renewable energy projects,
- - It Brings people to the range and can contribute to tourism
- - It helps the economy by creating jobs and it provides natural resources
- - It provides metals needed to create renewable energy
Why Copper Sulphide Mining is BAD?
Copper Nickel Mining is BAD because of the aforementioned sulphuric acid it produces and releases into the environment.
The runoff of acid into rivers and streams can cause harm to the environment, such as causing long term damage to plant life and aquatic life, and in some cases can even cause harm to humans.
Our Stance On Copper Suphide Mining
We believe that Sulphide mining can be a good thing as it opens up jobs and brings needed resources for creation of certain items. We are okay with it happening in some places that are dry and can handle it better, however due to Northern Minnesota’s abundance of water it doesn't seem like a viable or sustainable option for our area. We think that nature should be preserved and cared for above all else.
Water Samples
Collected By Ty Jue.
- - Average sulfate 17.368
- - Average PH 7.665
Water Sample, Upstream West Two River
- - Sulfate Level: 7
- - PH: 6.7
Water Sample, Downstream West Two River
- - Sulfate Level: 5
- - PH: 6.7
Water Sample, Well
- - Sulfate Level: 19
- - PH: 8.0
How Can We Help?
We can help as individuals by advocating in everyday scenarios. At work, in school, with friends we can spread awareness about this concerning topic. Helping educate older generations in our personal lives that might not care about it if someone they didn't know tried preaching it to them.
Community
As a community we can help organize more awareness events in our areas. Like, inviting organizations like Friends Of The Boundary Waters to our schools. Putting approved posters up in public places and electing people who care about these pressing environmental issues.
Maps
