Executives caught bragging of cozy government relationships as they sought approvals for mining

[Nevilledog]

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Tweet text: Jake Tapper
@jaketapper
Executives caught bragging of cozy government relationships as they sought approvals for controversial Alaskan gold mine

Executives caught bragging of cozy government relationships as they sought approvals for controversial Alaskan gold mine

https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/25/politics/alaska-pebble-mine-executives-legislators/index.html

(CNN)For mining executives dreaming of a mountain of gold, they could go down as the Zoom calls that cost billions of dollars.

But for the Alaskan tribes, anglers and nature lovers trying to stop them, it could be the sting that finally ends the long battle over Pebble Mine.

Top executives hoping to blast open North America's largest gold and copper mine were secretly recorded describing in detail their cozy influence over US lawmakers and regulators. They also revealed their intentions to go far beyond what they were saying on applications for federal permits to work near the headwaters of Bristol Bay, Alaska -- one of the last great wild salmon habitats left on Earth.

"I mean we can talk to the chief of staff of the White House any time we want, but you want to be careful with all this because it's all recorded," said Ron Thiessen, CEO of Northern Dynasty Minerals, of official communications to the White House, as he himself was recorded unknowingly. "You don't want to be seen to be trying to exercise undue influence."

The "Pebble Tapes" were recorded by activists from the nonprofit Environmental Investigation Agency posing as Chinese investors. In the calls from August and September, which were released this week, Thiessen and Tom Collier, CEO of American subsidiary Pebble Limited Partnership, are heard boasting of the sway they hold, even as the project was hit by an unexpected permitting setback.

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[crickets]

1. K&R for visibility. *sigh*