It is interesting to me that we get a lot of news about our local and state politicos kowtowing to the unholy alliance of Duluth Metals (which incidentally is based in Canada and not Duluth) and Antofagasta PFC (a London-based company whose origins are in Chile).

Late last month, Duluth Metals and Antofagasta announced a partnership agreement to create a joint venture called Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, whose field operations will be based in Ely (how convenient).

Unfortunately, I have seen little local attention paid to the Aug. 5 copper mining accident in Chile. Interestingly, similar to the BP travesty in the gulf, the opening of this copper mine also succumbed to corporate greed.

Chile’s mine safety organization closed the mine several years ago for safety concerns and then allowed it to reopen. The Chilean ambassador to the United States, Arturo Fermandois said, “Of course, it will be a very hard debate about how this happened.”

I believe one of the biggest threats to the BWCAW and to the local inhabitants is the copper-nickel mining proposal. There is no industry on the planet which has polluted more water than this type of mining. Our local, state and federal legislators are abetting these foreign entities by selling off large tracts (6,700 acres to Polymet) of Superior National Forest land. The mining companies have limitless resources with which to broadcast their propaganda. The presentation of the grim realities of the “other side of the story” is then left to those of us who fear yet another BP-like event, but much, much closer to home. Pollution of our water is eternal.

Paul O. Walker

Eagle’s Nest Twp., Minn.