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From another forum: A Message from John Shively 10/1/2020
Pebble Partnership CEO and Board Chair
I write today to share my perspective on the “Pebble Tapes,” next steps for the project, and why I agreed to return to the Pebble Project as CEO.
Many have asked me why, at 77 years old, I chose to do this. Many also asked why I took on the challenge years ago when I left the cruise ship industry to lead Pebble for the first time. The answer is that I believe in the Project and what it represents for Alaskans. I also believe in the people who have worked so diligently to get us to this point. In my return to the Pebble Project, I have two initial goals: restore trust in the Project and work to finalize the federal Record of Decision (ROD).
What I saw on the “Pebble Tapes” does not reflect my values, nor does it reflect the values of the Pebble Team. We all work hard to represent the company in a respectful, honest and trustworthy way. Given the controversy and emotion (and sometimes unfair attacks) that have followed Pebble, this is not always easy. The people working on the Project, from our site staff to our corporate staff, have the utmost integrity — and I know all of them felt betrayed by what they saw expressed on those tapes. Much of the content was boastful, embellished, insensitive and stretched credulity to its breaking point.
I can write a lot of words to express my dismay for what I witnessed, but I also know that Alaskans will ultimately only respond to our actions. My core objective is to work one day at a time to earn back the trust that was shattered last week. I know it is a long haul, but long journeys begin with small steps. Our parent company, Northern Dynasty Minerals, unreservedly apologized to Alaskans last week — and I have echoed that apology in my conversations with staff and Alaskans since I agreed to return as CEO. Our former CEO correctly resigned following the revelations on the tapes. This was another step in righting the wrong we saw on the tapes.
Questions about how long mining will take place at Pebble have arisen. To begin, Pebble is one of the most significant mineral discoveries in the world. Based upon what is under the ground at Pebble, the Deposit could support many decades of mining. However, this is not what we took into permitting. We took a twenty-year plan into permitting that had to stand on its own. We have been clear from the outset that future opportunities would still exist at Pebble and one scenario for such future development was evaluated as reasonably foreseeable future action in the Environmental Impact Statement recently completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). We have been equally clear that any future development at Pebble would have to go through its own full and robust permitting process. There are no specific future plans for mining at Pebble beyond the twenty-year plan currently in front of regulators.
My other core objective is to ensure the USACE has the information required to finalize the ROD for the Project. One of the key elements necessary for the USACE to accomplish this is the compensatory mitigation plan. We are on track to deliver a plan that meets the USACE’s requirements, and when it is deemed complete, it will be published on the Project website.
The Project — a responsible plan to mine the Pebble Deposit for twenty years — remains a very good project. It will employ thousands of Alaskans both from the local communities to other corners of our state with well-paid, family wage jobs. It will be an economic engine for Southwest and Southcentral Alaska with the potential of putting hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy every year. It will make a major contribution to the state’s budget — not nearly what our colleagues in the oil and gas industry contribute, but it will show what expanding Alaska’s mineral sector can do for state coffers.
And, most importantly, mining can be done at Pebble without harm to the Bristol Bay fishery. The final Environmental Impact Statement reinforces this point. My fundamental principle when I started as CEO for Pebble in 2008 was that the project had to operate without harming the fishery or water resources of the region. I have sat through hundreds of hours of discussion and presentations that gave me the confidence the project can meet that goal. Now, we have a federal environmental review that reached the same conclusion.
My long history in Alaska has often focused on finding employment opportunities for our rural communities. I have seen time and again what a job means for someone living in rural Alaska. It is one of the most positive, transformative ways to improve someone’s quality of life.
I told my staff that my door is always open, and that no one should ever hesitate to let me know what is on their minds. The same holds true for all Alaskans.
For more information, contact Mike Heatwole: (907) 339-2600
Agreed. "IMO shorts will NEVER be exhausted." Makes us all realize how very, very important this mine is for our nation.
And how very, very desperate they are to stop Pebble.
Anything goes in their opinion.
Believing things to change after the re-election.
It will happen.
In God we trust.
Lol Hysterical! Thanks smartaleck.
Today...Trump Moves to Expand Rare Earths Mining, Citing China Threat
By Jennifer Jacobs and Joe Deaux , September 30, 2020, 4:04 PM PDT
Inside The Mountain Pass Mine As Rare Earths Face Trade War Threats
Photographer: Joe Buglewicz/Bloomberg
President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency in the mining industry, a move aimed at expanding domestic production of rare earth minerals vital to most manufacturing sectors.
The order directs the Interior Department to explore using the Defense Production Act to hasten the development of mines. The administration has used the law to accelerate production of medical supplies during the coronavirus pandemic.
More at Bloomberg.com
Thanks. Appreciate it.
Does Potus' tweet have anything to do with NAK?
Based on the strong recommendation of @SenDanSullivan and @repdonyoung
of the Great State of Alaska, it is my honor to inform you that I will be issuing a Presidential Permit for the A2A Cross-Border Rail between Alaska & Canada. Congratulations to the people of Alaska & Canada!
12:15 AM · Sep 26, 2020
Based on the strong recommendation of @SenDanSullivan and @repdonyoung of the Great State of Alaska, it is my honor to inform you that I will be issuing a Presidential Permit for the A2A Cross-Border Rail between Alaska & Canada. Congratulations to the people of Alaska & Canada!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 26, 2020
Thanks so much for posting this. Very powerful and fascinating—full of all the historical details.
Sharing it with new investors. Thanks again.
@JBSFinance $NAK Initial response from Mike Heatwole, VP Public Affairs at Pebble Ltd. Partnership. He states that there were "questionable ethics at play" and that Pebble will "determine if any laws were broken by this despicable and abusive tactic."
In today's presentation (between the 22/23 minute mark) Tom Collier said that their mitigation would be finished in the next few days. Hope that helps.
From another site re: Presentation. "They were surprised by the amount of mitigation requested (not the timing of the request) but have met all requirements and have submitted final draft to ACOE
Expects ROD before the election but reminds everyone that Trump remains president until January and it will most definitely come before then. Also touched on presidents not have unlimited power and any attempt by Biden to stop the mine after ROD would be blocked by courts (for anyone who think Biden has a chance).
When asked about partnership he said the big kahuna of derisking is the ROD and they expect to have that shortly."
Everyone waiting on election results. IMO. Who wants to sign on the dotted line with uncertainties in CEO minds?
This means a great deal coming from an attorney. I believe the site $20 a share or bust owner asked the ACoE if any RoD’s had ever gone against the FEIS statements(forgot exactly language)
To my knowledge, this question was never answered.
I definitely don’t believe the RoD will be reversed, as some have wondered. But always good to ask and be aware of possibilities. Thanks again .
I don’t know if this is a help but on several occasions RThiessen said the court challenge would happen immediately after the RoD is issued. So they are and have been expecting this court challenge for many months, if not longer.
Since we have known it’s coming for quite some time based on Ron’s statements, I think the recent Politico news movement through most longs of guard, right?
At any rate, Ron has stated that this / these court cases will be against the ACoE, not NAK.
Personally I don’t doubt they have much more up their sleeves. Trump is going to win. Those who plot against this mine will lose.
Banish double minded thoughts.
Fiction — the one way, most fun to read and to write. Just begin. You are a writer.
LOL. Excuses. Excuses. Excuse. Change what needs to be changed and disguise it enough so no one can say for sure.... Every creative endeavor is built on some aspect of reality. If you start your ideas will automatically shift and change.
Just a suggestion.
TooTallJones, I am sure I'm not the first to say this--you need to write a book or books, if you haven't already.
Keep us posted.
GR, Thanks for the kudos but I am sure I didn't say anything you and all longs did not already understand. Just wanted to remind us all, who and what we are fighting against. And remind us all of this mine's importance.
"Katniss, remember who your true enemy is..." LOL....
My opinion: After T's re-election, interested buyout parties will move more aggressively forward.
Don't know the timing but I am thinking it may take a few months before the buyout deal is done. (Even though they may be working with interested companies at this time? Dunno.)
My .02 cents. Been wrong enough times myself. Proceed in faith whatever you do.
Nice call, Chia. We all salute you! :)
Our country is not in a “normal season.” Because of the extreme importance of this mine and what is at stake concerning the upcoming Election... the “powers that be” are totally against this mine. They have been for quite some time. Think Obama and the prior EPA moves.
China is against this mine. We are at war—albeit an economic war with China and the globalists.
Literally, All h*** is against this mine.
I hope you can see this.
Trump will win but even so, bigger battles are on the horizon.
And the mine will be a huge blessing to those with eyes to see.
Does this answer your question?
Did RT say something about pursuing state permits this next year in January? The sound was in and out for me..
Thanks so much for taking the time, a lot of your time in fact, to help so many of us truly understand these legal issues. This knowledge is so valuable.
We are at war. But, by the grace of God, our nation will survive and good will prevail.
One nation under God.
Thanks again.
Big thanks, TTJ and Alidare. Appreciate it.
Anyone still have the link for Ron's presser this coming Tuesday? Thanks.
Mike Westlung: 201K shares yesterday. https://ceo.ca/api/sedi/?symbol=ndm&amount=&transaction=&insider=
Options
50 - Grant of options $404,009
+201,000 vol
$2.01 each
We are in an economic war with China. I am amazed at how few people see this... But we will win. This mine will proceed.
Nice find! Yesterday someone posted on another site that 83% of shares sold yesterday were short shares. There was no link but sounds about right.
Once Trump is re-elected we are in a whole different ballgame. My opinion, of course. And that things will really get nasty. But no matter, evil is being exposed.
"Every hit piece makes me think there is much more to this mine than I expect. Maybe more than just Rhenium and silver."
I agree. You hit the nail on the head.
Every hit piece makes us all realize how important this mine is to our country. It will happen. Patience.
From our Chinese friends.... Link: https://www.mining.com/short-seller-says-northern-dynasty-is-gaslighting-investors/
I think the very low price of NAK shows the depths to which those scheming against it, namely foreign entities and their associates, what lengths they are willing to go to in order to see this mine stopped. At all costs.
Just shows us the importance of this mine for our country.
Wow. Thanks. Having read your many remarks these last months, I really appreciate your insights. I have always thought your posts trust worthy. Any key words I might use to research this further? Thanks again.
Thanks. I definitely like the NAK statement better than the two releases that Cantor Fitzgerald put out. Although just as a thought, Fall technically ends on December 21st, I believe. Nonetheless,
It won't be much longer.
Sept 4th Update: The Next Steps–Northern Dynasty will submit the required compensatory mitigation plan in 4-6 weeks, well within the 90-day window.
“In Kind” Compensatory Mitigation–Our initial reaction was that the cost of mitigation would likely be extremely punitive. We were incorrect in this view as the request for “in kind” mitigation does not involve direct payments for wetlands disturbance.
Timeline Update Despite all the wild “noise” over the last two weeks, the permitting process is continuing at Pebble with the USACOE. However, with the request for compensatory mitigation, the timeline for completion of a Record of Decision (ROD) will likely be extended beyond the U.S. Presidential election in November (Cantor view).
http://cantorcanada.com/sites/default/files/20200904NDM.pdf
Delays to Permitting Schedule Likely–In our view it will be exceptionally challenging to reach a compensation plan covering +3,600 acres of wetlands and 185 miles of streams that will satisfy all parties. Even in the highly unlikely scenario that a consensus is reached and the associated cost is not extremely punitive (best case), we do not believe this is achievable prior to the upcoming U.S. Presidential Election in November.
Balance Sheet in Good Shape –With +$50 MM in cash, Northern Dynasty will not require any additional funding to complete the compensatory mitigation plan.
BOTTOM LINE
Negative–As we understand it, Northern Dynasty and the Corps will now effectively enter into “negotiations” as to the size, cost, and methods of compensatory mitigation. Until we have more clarity on what the potential cost of the mitigation may be, and its impact to the Pebble project economics, our target and rating on Northern Dynasty will remain Under Review.
http://www.cantorcanada.com/sites/default/files/20200824NDM.pdf
Big thanks. Appreciate it.
TooTallJones, have you ever heard of a ROD reversing or stopping the decision of a FEIS?
Thanks. Appreciate your knowledge and expertise.
"'It’s election season, and people are going to posture and say things, I totally understand that," Collier said. "But when it comes down to brass tacks, to the law, there can be no federal action at Pebble that is inconsistent with the Final EIS, period. "
This doesn't mean people won't try everything they can think of but the rule of law must be upheld or our country is in serious trouble. Much more than we realize. IMO.
Trump will win but it's going to be a huge battle. Bigger than we've seen so far. Will last beyond election day. But he will win.
A Record of Decision (ROD) in the United States is the formal decision document which is recorded for the public. Contents. US EPA. In the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Record of Decision (ROD) is a public document that explains the remediation plan for the clean up a Superfund site.
I don't believe the ROD can overturn the FEIS. Their purpose is to publicly state (explain) the remediation plan. To my knowledge this has never been done.
Anyone heard of this happening?
Yes, NAK has several other pebbles that they are planning to mine in the future. Tom Collier and Ron Thiessen have often stated this in their presentations. YouTube is a good resource. Ron says about 10 years after this project is underway. These pebbles are presumed to have more gold,etc.
But do you own research. Much better than relying on my understanding.
Dangers of proposed Pebble mine overstated: Bristol Bay Times Opinion
http://www.thebristolbaytimes.com/article/2036dangers_of_proposed_pebble_mine_overstated
I am a 70-plus-year resident, arriving in Pilot Point in 1949, married a Chignik girl, raised eight kids, two of which still live in Pilot Point. Started my fishing career in the Ugashik, made enough money to buy my first airplanes, then founded and built Peninsula Airways. Penair was built with the support of all of you individually and the salmon industry in particular, so would never advocate anything that would jeopardize your livelihoods and way of life.
So far I have been quiet about the Pebble mine, but the recent, very well-done, article by Cindy Myers prompted me to point out some facts. And, like her, I do not necessarily propose supporting the mine, but we should at least take into consideration the potential benefits that could ensue.
The opponents of Pebble point out to a number of similar mines that have caused problems worldwide, but none of them have been subject to the intense scrutiny and permitting processes that Pebble will have to go through. It is totally impossible that there would be such a catastrophic failure that would impact the entire Bay.
First of all, the two drainages that would be immediately impacted are Talarik Creek into Lake Iliamna, and Koktuli Creek, which drains into the Mulchatna to the Nushagak River. Together they support an extremely small percentage of the total Bristol Bay salmon runs.
Of the Kvichak sockeye run, which is the largest producer in the bay, the great majority of the fish go back via the Southeast side of Lake Illiamna, with its large number of adjoining fresh-water lakes, as well as on up to Lake Clark. On the other side, the Koktuli drains into the Mulchatna, then the Nushagak. The great majority of Nushagak fish go into the Wood River/lakes system, with the rest on up into the Tikchik lakes. The other three major fisheries, Naknek, Egegik and Ugashik are totally separate.
Let me give an admittedly small example of how resilient our fisheries are. About 15 years ago Mt. Chiginagak, at the head of Mother Goose Lake, had a fairly major eruption. There were thousands of tons of lava and acidic volcanic waste, dumped into the Ugashik River system, starting with Pumice Creek and Painter creek, which flows into the King Salmon River, on to Ugashik Bay.
There were at least four lodges that were forced to close because those runs were wiped out! But the runs have recovered to the point that this past summer my kids had one of the best seasons ever.
Recently another red herring was thrown by some biologist whom I have never heard of. He stated that the spawners returning to the Koktuli appeared to be a little different subspecies of sockeye, possibly being unique. This would, of course result in different and preferential treatment for this watershed. Are we really going to change our management and harvesting systems for the 50 million Bristol Bay fish for a few hundred thousand going into one tiny drainage, when not one of us could even tell the difference in the fish? Wonder how much the anti-Pebble people got to him?
Finally, as to the surface access to the mine, it is ludicrous to even think about crossing the west end of the lake from Kamishak Bay, the wintertime crossing of the lake is only one of the major problems. Just ask them at King Cove and Akutan about their experience with the hovercraft, which was sold to them by the "economical experts" and "engineers" as the answer to their problems.
The only logical way is to use the deepwater port in Cook Inlet, then over the existing road to Pile Bay, then around the end of the lake past Pedro Bay and Illiamna, incidentally greatly benefiting those communities. Also, we would finally get the bridge over the Newhalen River, which would greatly benefit the community of Nondalton, as well as Port Alsworth. I understand the state actually bought the steel for the bridge some 20 years ago, and believe it is still stored in the area
Fascinating presentation by Mike Westerlund. Hope all Alaskans get to see how mining has changed because of technology. Mike is a new NAK Vice President.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=%22mike+westerlund%22&docid=608004637181543831&mid=084694136E1D9FC815E8084694136E1D9FC815E8&view=detail&FORM=VIRE
Drilling, mines, other projects hastened by Trump order
Sept. 2, 2020
https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/drilling-mines-projects-hastened-trump-order-72761405
BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Trump administration is seeking to fast track environmental reviews of dozens of major energy and infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, including oil and gas drilling, hazardous fuel pipelines, wind farms and highway projects in multiple states, according to documents provided to The Associated Press.
The plan to speed up project approvals comes after President Donald Trump in June ordered the Interior Department and other agencies to scale back environmental reviews under special powers he has during the coronavirus emergency.
More than 60 projects targeted for expedited environmental reviews were detailed in an attachment to a July 15 letter from Assistant Interior Secretary Katherine MacGregor to White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow.
The letter, obtained by the Center for Biological Diversity through a freedom of information lawsuit, does not specify how the review process would be hastened. It says the specified energy, environmental and natural resource projects “are within the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to perform or advance.”
Included on Interior's list are oil and gas industry proposals such as the 5,000-well Converse gas field in Wyoming, the Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas terminal in Oregon, and the Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline in Virginia.
Other projects targeted for quick review include highway improvements in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and other states; storm levees and wetlands restoration initiatives in Louisiana; the Lake Powell water pipeline in Utah; wind farms in New Mexico and off the Massachusetts coast; and mining projects in Nevada, Idaho, Colorado and Alaska.
Environmentalist Brett Hartl said the move to expedite major projects represents a “giveaway" to industries that curried favor with Trump.
“Building an LNG (liquefied natural gas) plant is not going to solve the problem that's happening in the country," said Hartl, government affairs director with the Center for Biological Diversity. “This is where we're potentially going to see environmental harm down the road, because they are skipping steps in the process."
The group sued the government in federal court to force it to release documents related to Trump's order after the group's initial request under the Freedom of Information Act was refused.
MacGregor’s letter noted that some projects had been placed on shorter schedules before Trump’s order. Some of those that were on the list were recently completed, such as last month’s approval of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Interior Department officials did not answer questions from the AP on how the environmental reviews are being expedited and whether any rules were being waived. The bid to speed up reviews is in line with the Trump administration’s greater emphasis on reduced regulatory burdens for corporations.
A spokesman for Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said in an emailed statement that the administration was taking steps to improve government decision making while still making sure environmental consequences are “thoughtfully analyzed."
“For far too long, critically important infrastructure, energy and other economic development projects have been needlessly paralyzed by federal red tape," spokesman Conner Swanson said.
The president’s June order directed federal officials to pursue emergency workarounds of bedrock environmental laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, to hasten completion of infrastructure projects to speed economic recovery.
Swanson said the action was necessary because the virus has slowed down large segments of the society and brought massive unemployment.