So many of modern society's most contentious problems have evaded solution because of intractable opponents' glaring at each other and refusing to budge.
A Canadian mining company and Idaho's largest environmental group are taking something of a radical approach. Rather than squaring off for an otherwise predictable fight, the Idaho Conservation League and Vancouver-based Capital Formation Corp. have joined in an amicable partnership to ensure that a cobalt mine outside Salmon operates profitably but also responsibly toward the environment.
Environmentalists and mining companies everywhere will be monitoring this arrangement, a come-to-life example of the biblical parable of the lamb lying down with the wolf (or lion, in popular texts).
As ICL Executive Director Rick Johnson explained the unique partnership, the organization "believes it can accomplish more to further Idaho's water, fish and wildlife by working with Formation Capital" and not attempting to block the mining operation. The corporation plans to invest $138 million in the mine.
Both sides gave.
ICL's decision not to oppose the mine made Forest Service approval easier. In exchange, Formation Capital, which says it is an environment-friendly corporation, agreed to advanced technological protections for the environment plus $150,000 a year for the life of the mine for environmental projects overseen by ICL, the Nez Perce and Shoshone-Bannock tribes, and Lemhi and Custer counties.
If this pact works, it could be the model for bringing together industry and environmentalists to end costly stalemates, and advance economic interests while guaranteeing environmental safeguards.
