Canadian gold mining operations threaten the food and water security of Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest, and local leaders are urging the U.S. federal government to act now.
According to the British Columbia Mineral and Coal Exploration Survey, spending on mineral and coal exploration in British Columbia has risen by 56% in 2021 compared to the previous year, reaching $660 million. This increased mining activity is already causing pollution and endangering Native American traditions in Alaska, Montana, and Idaho.
Mining pollution is causing permanent damage to water sources and affecting downstream Indigenous communities, as well as the food chain bioaccumulation (from algae to flea, to minnow, to trout, and to osprey, for example) resulting in rapid fish reproductive failure. The situation is becoming increasingly dire, and cleaning up the damage is challenging once it's done.
Ten years on, Pacific Northwest Indigenous leaders are now seeking support from the Biden Administration to address critical environmental and safety concerns and equitable supply chain practices considering community input and consent.
Effective management of watersheds that cross national borders necessitates a collaborative planning approach. Supporters believe establishing Indigenous- and community-led watershed boards in the Alaska-British Columbia transboundary waters through the International Watersheds Initiative could help address the issue.
At Element United, we aim to develop practical solutions to address environmental problems caused by mining. That’s why we're creating an Ethical Mining Certification (EMC) program. This certification includes plans to reinvest in sustainable development programs for communities adversely impacted by mining activities.
It's time to act and address the pressing issue of mining and its impact on food and water security everywhere. The EMC is one potential solution that can help promote sustainable development while providing economic opportunities for local inhabitants and fighting human rights violations.
You are part of the solution.
You get to assist these communities in restoring their natural resources damaged by mining activities.
How?
You can unlock nature's power with Element's Web 3 Gaming and Blockchain Ecosystem!
There, you can digitize gold, jade, and granite right to your fingertips in the game. Acquire digital assets to build, craft, and explore the groundbreaking Element Network.
While you game, we'll continue to form partnerships to protect the environment. Our partnerships with mine owners, dignitaries, and governments worldwide will ensure that essential resources stay in their place, creating a safe space for local and indigenous communities.
Element is on the cusp of something unprecedented—revolutionizing land reclamation solutions with a never-before-seen private sector initiative.
Ready to join our mission? Getting involved is easy. Join our community, buy Nodes, and help power a blockchain with real-world impact.
