Mercury-emitting mine in Nevada shuts down. “The owner of the mine just reported big losses. The operation sent tons of the toxic metal into Idaho’s air before a Boise activist pushed officials into cracking down.” By Rocky Barker. Idaho Statesman.
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Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is President of the Western Watersheds Project.
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OK the mine is shut down but are there “cleanup” obligations that must be met? Did the mining company post a bond? Or is this just another “cut & run” leaving the cleanup bill to the public?
Monty,
I don’t know, but the mercury does not evaporate from the dump or the mine as far as I know. It comes from the processing facility. So the mercury emissions should have stopped.
If I am wrong, someone who knows please correct me.
As long as they are not roasting ore, there will be no additional atmospheric mercury released from the site. I’m not sure about the cleanup of the site itself. I thought I read that the company was trying to shop around not only the processing facility but the mine itself, but my memory is foggy on that one.