News

Duluth News Tribune
January 15, 2010

I couldn’t have agreed more with the letter of the Dec. 28 letter, “We need facts, not propaganda, about PolyMet,” that support for PolyMet should be based on factual information.

The letter writer mentioned that the PolyMet process has not yet been adequately explained by local television news outlets. Fortunately, we have an open and public process in Minnesota that includes access to a published environmental impact statement, which clearly states detailed facts on nonferrous mining practices and all of the mitigation practices in place to assure the mine is safe and protects the environment. The statement does, however, require some reading.

PolyMet’s process of mining for nonferrous metals in northern Minnesota is currently regulated by some of the safest and strictest environmental regulations in the country. Not only is this process safe for the environment, it will provide essential metals for green technology such as wind turbines and hybrid cars, which will actually help reduce our carbon footprint altogether.

The letter writer was right when he made the point about jobs in northern Minnesota: They are important and even vital to our economy during this time. PolyMet’s 400 employees and hundreds of added jobs will provide a huge economic benefit to Minnesota.

As a resident of Northeastern Minnesota, I am just as concerned about our environment and the health of our workers as the letter writer. But I trust the facts and am glad we have a good public process and public debate to ensure sound mining practices — so should the letter writer.

Pamela S. Backstrom

Virginia