Mining giant Rio Tinto recently released what the company calls a “Community Scorecard” of its work at the controversial Eagle mine near Big Bay, Michigan. The scorecard is based on a company-controlled survey that asked local residents and community leaders how they felt about Rio Tinto’s operations to date at the new nickel and copper mine.
An aerial view of Rio Tinto’s Eagle mine.
The Marquette Mining Journal published an article on the scorecard, which you can read here. Make sure you read the last couple of paragraphs in the article, about Rio Tinto’s refusal to release individual survey results.
The Eagle mine sparked intense controversy and litigation.
Opponents fear the mine, which will extract nickel and copper from rock containing high levels of sulfides — compounds that create sulfuric acid when exposed to air and water — could pollute two nearby trout streams that flow into Lake Superior.
Rio Tinto officials insist the main can extract the valuable metals without harming nearby waterways.
Time will tell.
