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Tribe opposes Rock Creek Mine project

By Alyssa Kelly

PABLO — Francis Auld, along with several supporters including the Kootenai elder committee, went before tribal council on April 17, 2007 regarding their concerns for the Kootenai National Forest and a reopening proposal of the Rock Creek mining project. They asked council for legal support as well as the support of the CSKT in ceasing the project not only for environmental purposes but the spiritual significance of the land. The packed council chambers with approximately 30 or more supporters, some standing, were intent on expressing their views in regards to the mining project. "I appreciate everyone coming and letting us know how strongly the people feel about this," said council member Steve Lozar. According to Francis Auld, of the Tribal Preservation department, says the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have been involved in the pending Rock Creek mining project for several years. In accordance with section 106 and the National History Preservation Act (NHPA), in order for the Rock Creek project to begin they must receive a permit from Forestry. "There's been several groups trying to set up claim since Rock Creek came forward," Auld says.

The area pending the decision of mining has been surveyed on the archeological level D. There are 4 archeological levels to be taken into consideration: ABCD. For component D, there needs to be something tangible to connect the people of tribes with that land, like proof of human existence. "They didn't even touch on levels ABC which is the area's emotional connection to us. The area to the Indian people has key importance outside of a beautiful landscape to an inclusive view. The impact disrupts our people," says Auld.

There is really no way to measure the spiritual significance, being that it means something different to each individual member and family that utilizes the area for his or her own traditions. However, the area is near the Clark Fork River and according Auld, "Clark Creek is the place of arrival for several tribes. The effect on our people will be that it will erase a part of our traditional connection to that area."

Aside from the spiritual preservation of the land, the tribe is also concerned for the environmental effects Rock Creek would have. The Kootenai National Forest is lush with forest, wildlife, and important water resources. There are several threats to the environment that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to mining. Some effects may be irreversible and the damage can be permanent. "In our ways, we're looking at this project for the future seven generations ahead. What effects would this have on our relations down stream? Sure, all the metals come out but what effects does this have on the Indian people? What will be the long term effects of this hollowed out area?" Auld asks.

The CSKT people have plans in taking action against the Rock Creek Mining project. Although it is still early in the process, Auld says the issue has been taken before the Salish and Kootenai elders committees as well as council. Through council, they have received unanimous support as well as resources to pursue the issue. Later, a formal letter will be sent and council will choose a key spokesperson on the issue. At this time, John Harrison, one of the tribe's lawyers has been a great legal infomant.

Through funding granted by council, on May 9, 2007, there will be a field trip scheduled to visit the Troy Mines. Troy Mines uses the same method that is planned on being utilized for Rock Creek. On June 26, there will be another field trip and this time they will be going to Chicago Peak, the Rock Creek greenage, to see the area as it is in it's current state. The people will then be able to get a clear comparison and be more informed on the issue. The field trips are open to the CSKT public and sign-up sheets are with Susette Billedeaux in the Cultural preservation offices.

"We hope the area continues to be considered open wilderness, the tribes continue to use it as a spiritual area, and the CSKT treaty rights are recognized," Auld says on the tribes' goal conclusion of the Rock Creek mining project. As for the great amounts of money that is involved with the project, "As tribal people we want to fight this project all together. If it gets to that stage (money settlements/negotiations) then that is considered a losing stance."

The Rock Creek mining project, if allowed, will be carried out by the Revett Mineral mining company for the purpose of copper and silver. To give an example of how big this project would be, the Kootenai National Forest and the surrounding areas to which the project is expected to take place has undergone an extensive 16-year "Environmental Analysis."

As with most projects of this size, there are differing viewpoints as to whether the project should be actually be carried out. Aside from the tribal concerns, there is already a debate of the proposed project from both the business and environmental perspective. The arguments are based solely on the activity that has taken place thus far according to the 16- year "Environmental Analyses." The following are some differing views on the proposed project:

In 2001 the Kootenai National Forest had issued a record of decision, but withdrew following the Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service's biological opinion. After the project was put to a halt, the company furthered their investigation with an approved Evaluation Program in 2005 by the National Environmental Policy Act. In 2007, the company plans on conducting a study on the economic feasibility as well as further studies on the technical aspects of the project. According to Revett's website: "Presuming a positive feasibility study, and the receipt of necessary construction permits and financing, Revett intends to develop Rock Creek as an approximate 10,000 ton per day, underground mine / conventional mineral flotation processing operation, with estimated annual production of 7 million ounces of silver, and 59 million pounds of copper during the first 9 years of production." The company's highlights for environmental precautions include two water treatment systems, the primary method being an active biological system and the second being osmosis. They claim the treated water will meet the water standards for Montana and Idaho as well as the federal government. A direct quote from the site offers: "The discharge will not only meet the letter of the law, it will be clean enough for fish to live in and children to drink." For more information on the Revrett Mineral company and their viewpoint on Rock Creek, you can visit their site at: www.revettminerals.com

According to the Rock Creek Alliance, the 16-year environmental analysis on the proposed project was allegedly "Environmentalists joining forces to slow the charge of trucks up the mountain." They had reported that there was concern for the endangered grizzly bear population as well as the native bull trout in response to the mining. Should the mine be carried out, it would be considered "one of the nation's largest silver mines," according to the Rock Creek Alliance. The same reports conclude that financially the company could possibly "yield up to a hundred million ounces of silver and a billion pounds of copper, worth $600 million and $900 million respectively in today's markets." On a final note they offer: "Nobody has ever been allowed to build a mine under a national wilderness area." For more information on the Rock Creek Alliance and their viewpoint of Rock Creek you can visit their site at: www.rockcreekalliance.org.