There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the proposed
Pebble Mine project planned for the Bristol Bay area of southern
Alaska. As may be expected, proponents of the mine are espousing
the many financial benefits that come with such an undertaking
(jobs for locals, a boosted economy, increased access to natural
resources so that America can cut reliance on foreign suppliers,
etc.), while those on the opposing side decry the pollution,
waste, and destruction of habitat that have historically
accompanied this type of operation. Both sides have valid
points, but with the many changes occurring across the planet
thanks to global warming and other forms of pollution, people
have begun to take note of the dangers of industry and the
impact they could have on our long-term chances for survival as
a species. The hazards surrounding this particular mining
operation bear consideration. The Pebble Mine project is
exploratory in nature. Although gold, copper, and molybdenum
(often components of steel products) are