News

Mining CEO defends comments that Maine tribes lack rights

Mining CEO defends comments that Maine tribes lack rights

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PATTEN, Maine (AP) The head of a Canadian mining company has defended comments in which he touted the state of Maine as a good place to do business because of a lack of rights for tribal groups.

Wolfden Resources wants to develop a precious minerals mine in rural Maine. The chief executive officer of the company, Ron Little, has faced criticism recently because of comments he made during a 2019 presentation to investors in which he said there are “no indigenous rights in the state of Maine” and that “streamlines the permitting process.”

The Natural Resources Council of Maine, which opposes the mining project, shared the videos with Maine tribes, the Bangor Daily News reported. Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis has described the statement as “obviously not an accurate comment.”

Little told the Bangor Daily News that the statements were taken out of context and his company reached out to Maine tribes more than a year and a half ago. He told the Daily News he made the comment to investors because “one of the biggest risks is that the Indigenous community might have a veto to not allow a project.”

The mining project needs state approvals to go forward.

Latest Headlines

7 hours ago in Local

New report suggests electrical component to blame for foam spill at Brunswick airport

A new report says a faulty electrical component is likely to blame for the massive spill of toxic firefighting foam last year at the Brunswick Executive Airport.

7 hours ago in Local

Boy struck by vehicle at Millinocket crosswalk

A boy was taken by Life Flight to the hospital with serious injuries after he was hit by a vehicle in Millinocket.

8 hours ago in Local

Police ask for information leading to missing Burlington woman

Police are asking the public to help them locate a missing Burlington woman.

9 hours ago in National, Trending

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is sentenced to over 4 years in prison

Sean 'Diddy' Combs was sentenced Friday to 4 years and 2 months in prison in case involving sex workers, violence and "freak-offs."

15 hours ago in National, Trending

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is set to be sentenced and faces the possibility of years in prison

Sean "Diddy" Combs faces sentencing Friday in a sordid criminal case that could keep him locked up for years.