Bangor Daily News editorial The speed at which legislators are expected to evaluate and vote on a major rewrite of mining rules in Maine raises questions about the motives of those behind the law. Even if there is no attempt to hide the details of the changes, or if the changes in fact do not Read More
Mining Pollution
Mining is one of the most dangerous industrial activities, with mining pollution affecting wildlife habitat, clean waters, and public health. Mining metals in deposits with high levels of sulfides, which are common in Maine, is especially dangerous. Mining companies search for metals like copper and zinc in deposits where iron sulfide is present in large quantities. Iron sulfide creates acid when exposed to air and water. This acid kills fish and other aquatic creatures. It also leaches out toxic heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic, that may also be in the mined rock.
There’s Gold in Aroostook County, and Bill Would Ease Maine Mining Regulations
By Kevin Miller, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A remote mountain in the woods of far northern Maine is once again the focal point of a major debate over mining as landowners seek sweeping changes to state regulations in response to the rising price of gold and silver. Environmental and Read More
Relaxing Mining Rules is Fool’s Gold
By Jeff Reardon Bangor Daily News op-ed Looking at Irving’s proposal for a copper mine near Ashland last week, I remembered what mining did to a Pennsylvania stream I fished in 1990. Fresh out of college, I was working in Newark, N.J, wondering where the nearest brook trout might be. I quickly discovered the great Read More
Supporters, Opponents Square Off Over Mining Bill Aimed at County
by Jen Lynds, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A near equal number of supporters and opponents spoke during a four-and-a-half-hour public hearing Wednesday on a bill to change the state’s mining laws. Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, said he was prompted to introduce the bill by the increasing price of minerals Read More
Maine Mining Proposal Draws Fire, Support
by A.J. Higgins MPBN news story A proposal to revise the state’s open pit mining regulations to improve the prospects for an operation in Aroostook County is drawing fire from critics, who cite environmental concerns. Democratic state Rep. John Martin, of Eagle Lake, who introduced the proposed changes, says they could benefit a mining site at Read More
