The Pebble Limited Partnership released the following statement regarding the state’s lawsuit defending the permitting process for responsible natural resource development:
The Pebble Partnership welcomes today’s action, recognizing the state’s significant interest in managing the development of its natural resources for the maximum benefit of all Alaskans as directed by the constitution.
From the outset, the Pebble Partnership believed that the Lake & Peninsula Borough Save Our Salmon initiative was poorly worded and legally invalid. Alaska’s robust and rigorous permitting system is designed to protect the state’s natural resource, therefore, it is understandable that the state would object to a poorly worded ballot measure that usurps its comprehensive permitting authority.
The Pebble Project is located in southwest Alaska on state land designated for mineral exploration and development. It is situated approximately 1,000 feet above sea-level and 65 miles from tidewater on Cook Inlet. The Pebble Limited Partnership was established in July 2007 as a 50:50 partnership between a subsidiary of Anglo American plc and an affiliate of Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd.