Page 61 of Paging Dr. Breakup
Ruth raised her hand. “Do all of the parcels have this ore?”
Deirdre smoothed her button-down navy shirt, aware of all eyes on her, including Calvin’s quiet, assessing presence. “Maybe. The DNR survey data in front of you shows the range of likely product is in a roughly east to west vein, north of Yukon Valley proper. The presumed area includes land owned by us, the Garretts, Avilas, Becks, Zieglers, and the corporation.”
“Can we make money off of this?” one balding participant asked. Craig Beck. The thirty-something man and his family were third- and fourth-generation Alaskans.
Mav rocked from his heels to the balls of his feet. “We believe that making a profit comes with a price not just in dollars but also in impact to the corporation and our town. It’s a big decision that we should carefully weigh, which is why we’re all meeting together,” he paused. “Extracting the minerals requires access through our lands. Large equipment will be one issue. The other issue is the effect on the landscape. Extraction requires removal of surface land. It won’t look the same afterward. Finally, there are environmental concerns.”
The traditional chief spoke up from the front. “The corporation and the town have been working on tourism development. Cultural and outdoor tourism. No pun intended, but mismanaging ore extraction could undermine our efforts.”
“However, mining could pay for much-needed local infrastructure for tourism and beyond,” the mayor said. “More funds for schools, museums, lodging, restaurants.”
Many heads nodded.
“There will be a lot of hands out, hoping for a piece of the pie,” Steve said. “From my earlier days, I know about the impact of gold mining with mercury and arsenic in high amounts in the water supply. As stewards of our land, I don’t want to do anything to risk the unique beauty of this area or the safety of everyone living here. What about those other minerals? Are they safe to mine?”
Deirdre continued, “Allanite, depending on the form, has radioactive properties. This is not uncommon in rare earth elements. From what I was able to find out, excavating radioactive material could contaminate the land and waterways.” She rustled the paper. “Granted, I am not an expert in radioactive minerals or rare earth elements.”
A heavy silence fell on the room. This group of people lived off the land and respected the waterways, whether for cultural, recreational, or commercial reasons. No one here wanted to risk ruining their home. Yet, the promise of money was a strong motivator, and it could improve people’s lives in other ways.
“So, the question is twofold,” the mayor said, folding her hands in front of her. “First, do we want the prospectors to come here, and if so, how many and for what price? Or could we prospect on our own and benefit more directly? Second, if we do grant them access to our land, how can we guarantee the safety of our water, preserve the tourism economy, and still get something in return to help our town?”
Chatter rose and fell around her. Calvin remained silent.
“What if we leave it be?” Bruce spoke up. “A DNR assessor was sniffing around our place recently. I mean, look what that other guy tried to pull on Maverick to get his land.”
Mav added, “My guess is that the speculators will keep trying to gain access to one or more parcels of someone’s land that abuts the Ray Mountains.”
“It’d be nice if they gave up,” Bruce grumbled.
Calvin’s voice cut through the room as he leaned forward. “They might give up. For a time. When they return in a year or two or more, then what?”
Ruth sat forward. “What if our land’s value can benefit our town and our children and grandchildren?” She patted Tuli on the leg and he sheepishly smiled.
“That’s a valid possibility,” Steve said.
Deirdre held very still, Mav and Calvin doing the same on either side of her. It wasn’t one person’s decision. The implications of having a large mining company here could have ramifications, both positive and negative.
Steve turned to Mav and Deirdre. “You’ve dealt with these people. What did you think?”
“Honestly, my opinion is not fit to be printed,” Mav said as everyone laughed. “Randy Nelson tried to bankrupt us and steal our property. About as dishonorable as a person can be.”
Deirdre added, “They were real jerks. I wouldn’t trust them farther than I could throw them.”
Calvin looked at her for a beat, then raised his hand. “I recently spoke with the lead guy, Randy, to get more information. Let’s say, he wasn’t pleasant to deal with.”
Funny, his words versus her recollection of Calvin and Randy shaking hands… those two things didn’t jive. Deirdre held still, straining to hear everything he said, every nuance, every intonation. Her neck itched. Something didn’t quite add up.
Calvin leaned forward. “Is there a guaranteed way we can protect the land for future generations? Or is it best to go ahead and grant access but control the impact? They are going to eventually get in there one way or another.”
Lots of murmured yesses.
The mayor held up a hand. “That’s one option for how we approach this situation.”
Steve frowned and tapped his pen on the table. “Whatever we do, it should be together. That’s hard, because in a room of people, that’s how many opinions there are. Any wavering in our plan, those people will come in and exploit our weakness, regardless of what most of us want.”
Deirdre said, “Mav and I have decided we won’t let go of our land or grant access, especially to Randy and his team. Any chance other property owners will stand with us?”
Craig Beck piped up, “I wouldn’t mind getting money for my kids’ college fund, but I’ll hold off for now until I see how we can all benefit from these minerals.”
