Trump poised to block Pebble Mine project in Alaska: report

The Trump administration is poised to block the proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska early next week, marking a surprising change of course, sources familiar with the plans told Politico. 

The proposed project is controversial because of its proximity to the Bristol Bay area, the world’s largest commercial sockeye salmon-producing region. Democratic lawmakers on the House Oversight and Reform Committee have raised concerns about the administration’s moves to advance the Pebble Mine.

President Trump has faced pressure to block the mine, including from GOP megadonor Andy Sabin, who told Politico he’s “fairly certain” the project will be nixed. The president’s son Donald Trump Jr., has recently come out against the Pebble Mine as well, citing concerns about the proximity to Bristol Bay. 

Pebble Partnership CEO Tom Collier told The Hill he has not heard anything to suggest Pebble Mine will be blocked, calling the Politico story “categorically false.”

Last month, the Army Corps of Engineers published an environmental impact assessment of the proposed Alaska copper and gold mine, bringing it one step closer to construction. 

The Army Corps of Engineers office in Alaska will reportedly host a conference call with stakeholders about the decision on Monday. 

“If the Trump administration decides to deny this permit, it is great news for Bristol Bay and the people who depend on it,” Trout Unlimited CEO Chris Wood said in a statement to The Hill. 

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corp of Engineers did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Hill.

Updated 4:59 p.m.