Pebble CEO John Shively
The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to block the proposed Pebble copper and gold mining project near Alaska's ecologically sensitive Bristol Bay watershed is "unlawful" and hurts the state, said the top boss of the mining project.
The EPA has moved to stop the company from storing mine waste at the watershed, home to important salmon species, including the world's largest sockeye salmon fisheries that support critical wildlife and a multibillion-dollar industry.
"This preemptive action against Pebble is not supported legally, technically, or environmentally," said John Shively, CEO of Pebble, a unit of Northern Dynasty Minerals.
He also said US President Joe Biden's strategy to secure minerals for green energy goals seems to be giving "passing support" to minerals such as lithium in the United States and seeking an "enormous supply of copper ... from other nations".
"EPA's regulations are explicit that 404(c) actions may be initiated at any stage - including during the permit process or before an application is submitted for future projects," the EPA said.
The project has been on a roller coaster for the past 15 years. Former US President Barack Obama opposed the project, and his successor Donald Trump ultimately did after deciding it was too risky.
Earlier in December, the regional EPA head suggested that the agency veto the project, which has one of the world's largest copper and gold deposits.