THE MINING SHUTDOWN INIATIVE

• Voices of Reason Brochure
• VOR one-pager
• White paper on "grandfathering"
• AAMS one-pager
• AAMS sign-up sheet
• AgainstTheShutdown.com

Contrary to what the sponsors of the anti-mining initiatives say, the initiatives may well shut down existing mines when they seek to develop new deposits, seek new permits, (which occurs on an ongoing basis), or make major changes in technology.

The experts speak out...

"... despite section 3 of the bill, we think that is likely that given the wording of the initiatve, several existing projects may become subject to the initiative once existing permits and authorizations have expired thus requiring new permits and authorizations, modifications to their existing permits are proposed, or if the exploration or operation boundaries expand. These existing projects include the following mines: Red Dog, Rock Creek and Big Hurrah, Fort Knox and True North, Pogo, Kensington and Green's Creek."

- Michael Barnhill, Senior Assistant Attorney General, State of Alaska

"Just as not everything we eat or drink is harmful, the 'toxic pollutants' listed in the initiative may not have a harmful effect or even a measurable effect at certain exposure levels, but because the initiative prohibits the release altogether if it has any effect, even a positive one, the initiative as written will prevent large scale metal mines from operating."

- Harry Noah, executive director, Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Office and former Commissioner of Natural Resources.

"To the extent that the bill applies to existing large scale metallic mineral mines, it would prohibit such mines from expanding or obtaining new or renewing permits. Many of the authorizations for existing large mines require periodic revision and renewal. This bill could prevent such renewals."

- Richard Mylius, Director of Mining, Land and Water, Alaska Department of Natural Resources

"Regardless of what the other side says, this is an issue that could shut down mining in Alaska."

- John Williams, Mayor, Kenai Peninsula Borough

"The end result of the ballot initiatives would be a shutdown of jobs, a shutdown of a rapidly growing sector of Alaska's economy and, for many communities, a shutdown of hope. These initiatives would have a devastating effect on Alaska's mining families, and be a serious economic blow to rural communities and the economy statewide."

- Marie Greene, President, NANA Regional Corporation