Ambler road project

[CJ19]

I am neutral on the Ambler Road project. I have read interesting perspectives from both sides of the issue. One thing I find very frustrating is that many of the same groups and people that pushed for prescriptive and aggressive renewable policy such as net zero are now upset that the companies seeking to meet those domestic and international emissions policies want to mine the necessary raw materials to do so.

 

[TopherDave]

Does anyone have a link to some reliable information about this company and how people are so certain all these minerals will be of no benefit to united states? I looked at the companies website and government press release. Where are people getting their information that they are posting here?

My ex was the lead exploratory geologist for the company. I use to have to attend they’re dog N pony Xmas party every year and listen to that exact argument “we need the resources.” I studied wildlife biology in college, but naturally, being the male of the relationship, I’m the dumb one.
I’m pro Caribou! Pro public land! Anti-ex. (Not too bitter though, normal amount).

 

[CJ19]

My ex was the lead exploratory geologist for the company. I use to have to attend they’re dog N pony Xmas party every year and listen to that exact argument “we need the resources.” I studied wildlife biology in college, but naturally, being the male of the relationship, I’m the dumb one.
I’m pro Caribou! Pro public land! Anti-ex. (Not too bitter though, normal amount).

In most ways the issues with this project are no different than any other extraction project. There are going to be multiple perspective that have pro and cons depending on which side of the issue you are on and what type of stake holder you are. One thing is certain. If they dont mine it here its going to be mined somewhere else. Between the push for renewable energy / storage and rapid AI/data center build outs the raw material necessary have too much value and national security implications at this point.

 

[TopherDave]

Between the push for renewable energy / storage and rapid AI/data center build outs the raw material necessary have too much value and national security implications at this point.

True. At some point and time it’s all going to be thrown out the window. Teddy set these lands aside for this exact reason. Just sad that it’s only 100 years and change. One thing I know is history repeats itself and humans have a very good track record of f* up an ecosystem!

 

[CJ19]

True. At some point and time it’s all going to be thrown out the window. Teddy set these lands aside for this exact reason. Just sad that it’s only 100 years and change. One thing I know is history repeats itself and humans have a very good track record of f* up an ecosystem!

I understand the sentiment and appreciate your point of view. I feel that way often times. I have to remind myself that I do not want to give up those luxuries of modern life. I am using my smart phone to discuss the issue and i am standing here in my hunting clothes made from modern synthetic material and merino wool. I do know that a lot of the petroleum industry geologists have their mindset on mining industry switches. So renewables may mean less petroleum related extraction but more mining in the future.

 

[KingGus]

A couple of points to consider when discussing foreign companies taking profits offshore: mines have a payback period that covers capital expenditure, typically 5-20 years. That means these companies won't see any return for some time. Once they have covered their capital costs, they still have operational expenses, the biggest being labor. A good return on opex would be 10%. Foreign companies will be pouring money into Alaska, with the vast majority ending up in Alaskans' pockets as wages.

 

[inyago]

Americans need to start getting fed up with billionaire money giving them special treatment. Mines, even American mines, don’t give two damns about the area, the residents of the state, or opinions of anyone who stands in their way. We have a long rich history of them getting as much money out of the ground as possible and sticking everyone with cleanup costs and remediation that looks like eye sores at best. Anyone that has lived next to a mine will tell you that.

Nothing we say will impact the decision on this road, why would it we don’t have any power, we don’t have deep pockets, we give that power away by electing politicians on both sides that sell out for their biggest campaign contributors. Campaign finance reform is the root of the problem, but writing our congressmen makes us feel like we’re making a difference, even though it’s painfully obvious that falls on deaf ears.

Everything you say is true, But this is about a pristine area being altered by mining and all the ancillary activities associated with the building and operation of a substantial mining operation. And once these things are built there is never any going back, even if every one agrees that it is a mistake, the damage is done.

 

[inyago]

A couple of points to consider when discussing foreign companies taking profits offshore: mines have a payback period that covers capital expenditure, typically 5-20 years. That means these companies won't see any return for some time. Once they have covered their capital costs, they still have operational expenses, the biggest being labor. A good return on opex would be 10%. Foreign companies will be pouring money into Alaska, with the vast majority ending up in Alaskans' pockets as wages.

Nonsense, cry me a river how the poor mining company makes 10% opex?? Run that thru 10 subsidiaries and suddenly you have 100%. These things are designed to be lose making on paper that's part of the game. I would not be surprised if they asked the Alaskan and Federal Government for subsidies around the Whole deal over time. Also the access road will not be some 4x4 track but a full fledged highway so they can have 2.5/ 3lane traffic all conditions plus airstrip for management to get in and out. Development cost also carry taxation benefits, like we all get for having to drive to work!!!