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Leviosahhh OP t1_j7bpjmp wrote

Reply to comment by Yourbubblestink in Sunday River Gems Broken Into by Leviosahhh

The largest tourmaline pocket in North America was found in Newry. The store was knocked over two days after the founder of the pocket and a huge staple in the community and the geology world, Frank Perham, passed away. Gems are a significant part of Sunday River and Newry’s history. There is a lot to the community in addition to skiing and it’s a heartbreaking week for many.

Sunday River remains a vital location for minerals; they recently discovered a billion+ dollar lithium deposit (the largest discovered in the world) there that’s tied up in the courts with the couple who owns the property and the DEP.

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Yourbubblestink t1_j7bprmn wrote

Yeah, I heard that there is a fight going on right now about open pit mining in that area. Pretty shiny rocks aside, I don’t think that’s anything we want in Maine.

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Leviosahhh OP t1_j7brl37 wrote

And that’s the point. None of us want that but this couple found something worth 1.5B on their property and they can’t profit off of it, which we can all imagine the disappointment of, because of some vague laws passed five years ago that seem generally favorable, just impacting this couples future by billions. The decision could change the shape and dynamic of Newry forever. Gems and minerals continue to be an essential part of our history and future.

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Yourbubblestink t1_j7buo18 wrote

Yeah, I just don’t think shiny rocks are really worth destroying the environment over. It also seems like people should be able to go skiing without having to shop for jewelry.

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Leviosahhh OP t1_j7by2j5 wrote

I mean if you’re so insistent on diminishing a vital facet of the community to “shiny rocks” (you’re evidently not familiar with lithium batteries) you’re probably not the shops target demographic. Also, the jewelry store isn’t on the resort. It’s on the way to it, as are other businesses like bars, restaurants, dispensaries, post offices, and storage facilities. What do they have to do with skiing? You think the town should require, “What do you have to do with skiing?” when these businesses submit their proposals? The entire community doesn’t have to eat, breathe, and sustain themselves off of skiing. Good grief.

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