The many challenges that the XL oil pipeline faces in the U.S. - largely due to a incredibly well-funded environmental movement - should be watched very closely by the mining sector. Although the original pipeline route - over an environmentally sensitive water acquifier in a state largly dependent on agriculture was - was just plain wrong.

When will big resource industries smarten up? However, the ultimate green goal is to stop or significantly slow down oilsand development.

The mining sector - especially Cliff's enormously big chromite proposal - better ensure their projects are environmentally sustainable. The environmental movement has become too powerfull and media savvy. Give them as few targets as possible and ensure Aboriginal participation and benefits.

Today's Thunder Bay editorial about the pipeline and Ring of Fire: http://www.republicofmining.com/2011/11/16/development-and-delay-ring-of-firexl-oil-pipeline-thunder-bay-chronicle-journal-editorial-november-16-2011/

Strategic Miner