The state of Alaska is refuting a report that says Alaska Natives who live near the world's largest zinc mine are at risk of eating contaminated subsistence foods.

Last month, the Alaska Community Action on Toxics released a report citing high levels of lead and cadmium. The group blamed the contaimination on the Red Dog zinc mine.

But the state followed up with its own report and says the foods are safe to eat. The levels of heavy meatls found in water, soil, caribou, fish and berry do not pose a threat, the state says.

Get the Story:
Subsistence food in Red Dog area again called safe (The Anchorage Daily News 7/30)

Reports:
State Division of Public Health: Subsistence Foods Safe In Communities Near Red Dog | Alaska Community Action on Toxics: Red Dog and Subsistence: Analysis of Reports on Elevated Levels of Heavy Metals in Plants Used for Subsistence Near Red Dog Mine, Alaska

Relevant Links:
Alaska Community Action on Toxics - http://www.akaction.org

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Supreme Court hearing Alaska mine permit case (10/08)
Supreme Court accepts Alaska mine permit appeal (02/25)
Alaska mine target of $60 million suit (09/20)
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Alaska Natives to sue over mine damage (7/18)