Underground Mine or No Mine If the resource cannot be mined by underground mining methods only, likely no mine.
Project economics are required to be demonstrated for financing and shareholders. Economics do not influence NEPA assessment.
Underground mining only significantly reduces environmental impact, long term maintenance and water treatment.
The existing DEIS failed to adequately assess not only an underground mining alternative, but cumlative and foreseeable future cumlative impact analysis of the much larger mine the proponent touted in the Pebble Tapes.
A new mine plan, 404 permit application and DEIS is necessary.