Mining for Bald Mountain ore discussed

ASHLAND, Maine — Residents of Portage Lake, Ashland and surrounding townships attended an informational meeting in Ashland Thursday to discuss the potential opportunities, environmental concerns and laws associated with the proposed Bald Mountain mining project.
Located 11 miles from Portage Lake at the headwaters of the Aroostook and Fish rivers, Bald Mountain has been identified by landowner JD Irving, Ltd. to contain minable deposits of gold, silver and copper.
First uncovered in the 1970s (by geologist John Cummings of Grand Prairie, Texas), the feasibility of mining operations was studied, but for various reasons, was not carried out. The prospect of a mine is now being revisited by the well-known Canadian corporation and supported by Aroostook Partnership for Progress and the Central Aroostook Area Chamber of Commerce as sound economic development for northern Maine.
During the Dec. 20 session, Anthony Hourihan, Irving’s director of land development, led the discussion first giving a brief history of his company then outlining the mining project including topics such as the mountain itself, fact and rhetoric concerning the legislation (mining laws in the state of Maine) and what the company calls their “Path Forward.”
Hourihan explained the project is in the very beginning stages and still years away from being in operation, but they are actively researching the “viability of the mine.” He said Irving is mindful about the impact the mining could pose to the environment, citing “Mr. Irving feels he will not mine unless it’s safe. He always says, if it can’t be done right, he won’t do it.”
The company, Hourihan assured, will focus on the needs of mining vs. protection of the environment, using the best science available. The plan at this point is to gather present-day statistics, with the most current best practices and technology to determine the economic viability of the mine. The existing data is 25 to 30 years old, he said.
When given the opportunity, local residents asked questions and voiced their concerns about the potential negative environmental impact mining could have on the area, most especially the water supply.
Hourihan said the company is becoming better informed on current and best practices around water management and treatments, promising if done, there would be “no changes to groundwater or surface water standards. Anything leaving the site must meet the DEP’s drinking water standards.” According to Hourihan there are many requirements to operate this type of business, with numerous standards and practices that must be adhered to on the state and federal levels from the infancy of the mine to its closure; all of which by law, would be included in the permit to operate before any mining even begins.
The “Path Forward,” according to Hourihan, is to monitor the rule-making process based on good science and best practices; engage local organizations to keep local communities involved and informed; update and supplement the existing geological data to help determine the feasibility (of a mine); and based on all the data, “decide whether or not to permit” the mine.
The Bald Mountain mine is estimated to include a 100-acre pit and encompass a total of 500 acres which would house the associated workings including a facility, rock pilings, etc. The pit is not actually on the mountain itself, but off to one side.
Hourihan said there is a potential for great economic benefits to the local area from employment to tax benefits. He said there will be “many types of jobs available” from mapping and photography, mineral samplings, laboratory workers and actual mining operations but could not confirm at this time how many jobs would be available to local citizens. The mine is expected to be in operation for about 20 years and it was noted that other deposits have also been found and with additional exploration could also prove to provide viable mining opportunities.
With the current information available, the Bald Mountain mine would not be in operation until the year 2020.
Hourihan said the public will remain informed as the project proceeds, A website will soon be available to assist in that task and would include all the up-to-date information concerning the mine. More meetings will also take place and will be announced as they are scheduled.