The extreme environmentalists will do or say anything to stop mining in Alaska. Their latest scam is barite. A valuable and versatile mineral used extensively as a lubricant because of its weight, it sinks to the bottom of a drill hole to seal and lubricate the cutting head. It’s used extensively on the North Slope. They say Constantine has exaggerated its value to draw investors, that it is readily available and less costly from down south. This may be true but not if you factor in shipping costs and delivery times.
Constantine can truck directly from the mine to the North Slope in one and a half to two days versus two to three weeks by truck, rail, barge, rail and finally by truck to the North Slope. Shipping extremely heavy items such as cement, rebar and barite can easily more than double or triple the shipping costs.
Dave Werner
