Del Norte County has
a unique geology. Most of us know of the copper mines at Low Divide
and the historical recovery of gold. Fewer still know of the platinum
mines, or that diamonds have been found here. Other rare discoveries
are documented too.
The truly rich body
of ore though is the chrome and nickel bodies. These are critical
ores for a modern society. Proposals to extract them have been on
the table for decades.
Anyone who has
traveled the back country knows the area of ore is not a beautiful
place. Sure the distance views are inspiring, but the rock is rock.
The mining would not be done on the river or in the Redwoods, not
that gold dredging would hurt the river.
Our area is one of
contrasts, and the homeless contrast with the prosperous well paid
State Employees who make up the bulk of the economy. Often the
employed look down their noses at the poor. We make fun of their
clothes, modes of transportation, and pitiful begging.
How sad it is to
think one of the richest regions of the world is home to poverty
because of the view. Mining is the basis of any economic activity,
and here the well to do refuse to consider prosperity as an option.
That's my view.
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