ELIM, Alaska—Beverly Nakarak sped across the snowy expanse on her snowmachine, her sights set on a beloved fishing spot along the Tubutulik River.
As daylight faded on a Friday evening in early March, Nakarak, a health aide and mother of three, was determined to catch tubuq, or whitefish, which plays a crucial role in the diets of Elim’s approximately 350 residents.
Despite having just attended a funeral and community gathering, Nakarak felt compelled to continue her quest for fish, a staple food for her family.
The local Iñupiaq name for Tubutulik means “place with lots of white fish,” a fitting descriptor for a river vital to the cultural and subsistence practices of the Iñupiaq and Yup’ik peoples in the region.
Surrounding the river are additional resources, including berries and moose, making it a cradle for traditional hunting, fishing and gathering.
However, a shadow hangs over this rich resource as new mining development threatens to disrupt the ecological balance.
Over the past couple of years, two companies have secured numerous mining claims near the Tubutulik’s headwaters, raising alarms among local residents who rely on this area for sustenance.
Panther Minerals, a small Canadian mining company, has intentions to explore uranium deposits, while Alaska Critical Minerals LLC’s plans remain undisclosed.
Both companies are probing the Seward Peninsula, believed to contain valuable minerals essential for nuclear energy and modern technology.
Historically, the area has long drawn interest from prospectors.
Dave Hedderly-Smith, a prospector connected to Panther Minerals, stated that Elim could potentially become “the uranium capital of America.”
This prospect is touted against the backdrop of growing demand for uranium and other critical metals, further complicating the already intricate dynamics of rural Alaskan life.
Local leaders like mayor Paul Nagaruk express strong reservations about any mining activity that might jeopardize the delicate ecosystem surrounding the Tubutulik River.
Nagaruk voiced concerns regarding the possibility of water contamination and its direct impact on marine life, asserting that if pollutants entered the waterway, it would threaten the food security of the community.
The lack of access to affordable groceries exacerbates these worries, as Elim’s single store has a limited selection and prohibitive prices, making local fish and game even more essential for survival.
In fact, a survey conducted years ago indicated that every household relied on wild foods, underscoring their significance in local diets.
Navigating the frozen Tubutulik, Nakarak reminisced about the local tradition of fishing and the joy it brings her family.
Despite the cold and challenging conditions, she strives to reach the river almost daily during the winter months.
As she searched for familiar fishing holes, she expressed the essential place fish hold in her life, providing not only nourishment but also a connection to the land.
Amid this cultural landscape, the recent surge of interest in uranium mining is being described as a “uranium renaissance” in the United States.
As nuclear power remains pivotal for U.S. electricity production, rising pressures have ignited discussions about bolstering domestic uranium production.
Once a leading global supplier of uranium, the U.S. has seen its domestic production dwindle, resulting in a heavy reliance on foreign sources.
This dependency has sparked concerns, prompting calls from various stakeholders, including government and industry figures, for increased domestic uranium exploration and mining.
Proponents of such measures argue that reducing foreign dependency enhances energy security and better positions the country to address climate change through nuclear energy, which contributes to lower carbon emissions.
With uranium prices witnessing a significant uptick, many mining companies are eager to capitalize on these favorable market conditions.
The Seward Peninsula is now on the radar of emerging mining interests, reflecting the growing urgency for mineral resources in light of global energy demands.
However, the risks associated with mining cannot be overlooked; previous uranium exploration in the area has raised questions about potential environmental ramifications.
Panther’s target site in the upper Tubutulik has been recognized for its estimated uranium reserves since the discovery made in 1977.
Plans for in situ leaching mining present their own set of concerns, posing risks to groundwater and ecosystem health.
Environmental scientists emphasize the importance of understanding these risks, as they could impact not only physical health but also the cultural and subsistence practices that define life in Elim.
Nakarak’s memories of past concerns regarding uranium mining returned as helicopters buzzed over her community, bringing back fears from her school days.
Those same apprehensions now fuel a new wave of activism among local youth who are protesting against potential mining operations.
During recent community events, students have made their voices heard, declaring opposition to uranium mining through public demonstrations.
Amid the growing discourse on mining and development, many residents are contemplating whether any economic benefits exist for their village.
While some see job creation as a potential boon, others remain unconvinced, worrying that the threats to the river and their subsistence lifestyles outweigh any prospective gains.
As local discussions evolve, a consensus emerges: safeguarding traditional food sources remains paramount.
Nagaruk reiterated that regardless of economic prospects, preserving the Tubutulik’s waters and fish is a fundamental priority for Elim.
The village’s collective wish is to have designated protections against uranium mining implemented near the river, ensuring a secure future for their resources and health.
Despite the uncertain future of mining explorations, Nakarak is resolved to remain vigilant, knowing that the threat may always linger.
Her fishing endeavors continue despite challenges, as she hopes to ensure that her family has enough sustenance from the land.
As she returned from a fruitless fishing trip one night, she remained determined to navigate the complexities surrounding mining developments, knowing the importance of whitefish for her children’s diet.
Elim’s residents are indeed caught between the allure of resource development and their profound connection to land and water—an intersection requiring thoughtful consideration for generations to come.
image source from：insideclimatenews
