3. Objective: To learn about how different players in a market system, along with their underlying values and desired ends, cause resources to be allocated to specific ends. This will be examined through identifying key players in the debate over the proposed Pebble Gold Mine in Southwestern Alaska, then identifying the value assumptions they are operating under and, in turn, their desired ends.

Directions:

You will first need to familiarize yourself with the issues at play in this situation. It is important to understand how ecological systems operate, as well as what each economic player has to gain and lose with the construction of the mine. It is necessary to gather information on the grounding principles of different economic models. Check out the lessons on empty world vs. full world mind-set:

http://breathingearth.net/ gives a quick representation of the current world we are living in with respect population and CO2 emissions. After only a few moments of viewing the “breathing earth” it becomes clear that we are no longer living in an empty-world and that mind set is no longer appropriate for our current earth.

It is important to understand that the inherent characteristics of a resource determine how well it is allocated in the market, and how certain uses of resources are not allocated well in our current system

[link to empty world module, characteristics of resources module]

Now take a look at a fairly unbiased report on the Pebble Gold Mine proposal. Pull and identify the major players in this issue from this article. You should be able to come up with at least five.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15053463

http://www.heemskerk.sr.org/GoldMining/mine.jpg

Next, please take a look at the steps a mining company needs to go through to extract gold from the ground and get it to the market. Think about whether these processes operate towards forwarding an empty world or full world mind-set of our ecological system.http://www.newmont.com/en/about/gold/howmined/index.asp

http://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/images/BBMap10_26.jpg

To put this operation in perspective of the greater encompassing ecosystem, look at this website that shows you how salmon spawn. How would setting up a gold mine next to the world’s largest functioning salmon spawning ground affect the ecosystem there?http://www.mgfalaska.com/salmon-spawning.html

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/images/recreation/visitor-center/Kokanee%20at%20taylor.jpg

Take a look at the mining company’s PR page and see what they have to say about the proposed mine, and then view the project outline page of an environmental group that is a major voice of opposition to the proposal.

Northern Dynasty:http://www.northerndynastyminerals.com/ndm/Home.asp

http://www.pebblepartnership.com/photo-gallery.php?Qwd=./gallery&Qif=DSCN0365.jpg&Qiv=thumbs&Qis=M

Renewable Resources Coalition: http://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/project_outline.htm

http://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/photo_gallery.htm

Here’s a group that is making its voice heard : (be sure to click on the audio slideshow)

http://www.npr.org/blogs/bryantpark/2008/01/alaskan_kids_say_no_to_a_gold_1.html

Now here’s your chance to take a stand and choose which side of the argument you agree with. Write a letter that can be sent to each of Alaska’s US Senators on why you support the side you do and why they should act to either support permitting for the Pebble Mine, or speak out and act in opposition to it. All of the necessary contact information is listed below. Make sure that you have taken into account the argument of the opposition to your point of view. After you have written and sent off your letters, tell people about it! This is an important issue with many factors at stake- spread the word!

http://capwiz.com/aucd/bio/?id=159 - Senator Ted Stevens http://capwiz.com/aucd/bio/?id=810 -Senator Lisa Murkowski

Above left: http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/2/2e/180px-Ted_Stevens.jpgAbove right: http://www.johnnyseastriverlodge.com/LisaMurkowski.JPG