In January 2020, Wolfden Resources, a Canadian company in massive debt and with no metal mining experience, submitted a rezoning petition to the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) for a metal mine at Pickett Mountain. Wolfden hopes to mine for zinc, lead, and copper on 528 acres near Mount Chase, not far from Baxter State 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.
News & Noteworthy — July – September 2021
Here are some highlights from news stories and opinion pieces related to the environment, including Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife: September 2021 In good renewable energy news, Governor Mills celebrated National Climate Week and Clean Energy Week at Dave’s World in Dover-Foxcroft. She was there to celebrate a milestone toward Maine’s goal of installing Read More
Wolfden CEO Makes Outrageous Claims in Investor Advertising Videos about Mining in Maine
NRCM news release June 14, 2021 (Augusta, ME) — In a stunning series of videos from investor events over the past few years, the CEO of a Canadian mining company, Wolfden Resources, made unfounded and inflammatory statements about the company’s proposed metal mine in Maine. In the interviews detailed below, CEO Ron Little brags about not having to Read More
Bedrock Environmentalism During a Year at Home
Like many Mainers before me, I first felt the stirrings of an environmental consciousness somewhere between the Roaring Brook parking lot and Chimney Pond. It was a gift to grow up in Maine, where it is easy to live in proximity to natural beauty, and where I often felt that my daily life was well Read More
Mainers Oppose Wolfden Mine Proposal
Dozens of local residents, sporting camp owners, and tribal representatives have raised concerns about Wolfden Resources’ proposed metal mine at Pickett Mountain, not far from Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters Monument. These Mainers have all joined the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) in submitting comments to the Land Use Planning Read More
Wolfden Trying to Bypass LUPC Rules for Katahdin-area Mine Proposal
NRCM news release Augusta, ME (September 15, 2020) — The virtually unknown company seeking to operate a mine in the shadow of Katahdin has asked the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) to carry out only a narrow review of its rezoning proposal, a move the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) called an egregious attempt Read More
Serious Questions Plague Dangerous Mining Proposal in Shadow of Katahdin
NRCM Says Wolfden’s Rezoning Application Offers No Assurances for Adequate Environmental Protection NRCM news release August 12, 2020 (Augusta, ME) – The application for a proposed metal mine on 528 acres near Mount Chase, not far from Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, contains serious flaws and offers no assurances Read More
New Mining Threat Near Baxter & National Monument
In January 2020, Wolfden Resources (Wolfden) submitted a rezoning petition to the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) for a metal mine at Pickett Mountain (primarily zinc, lead, and copper) on 528 acres near Mount Chase, not far from Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. Unfortunately, on July 27, LUPC deemed Read More
NRCM: A Leader in Protecting Water Quality in Maine
NRCM has been involved in protecting Maine’s outstanding water resources since we were established in 1959. Our first big campaign was focused on protecting the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. We have worked to clean up our rivers and reduce pollution to our waters ever since. Almost everything NRCM does is beneficial to our lakes, rivers, streams, Read More