Second-largest US jewelry retailer, Zale Corp., joins list of jewelers opposed to Alaska mine

Zale joins list of jewelers opposed to Alaska mine

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The nation’s second-largest jewelry retailer has joined the fight against a gold and copper mine being developed in southwest Alaska.

Zale Corp. announced Tuesday it will boycott precious metals from the Pebble Mine. The company says it also supports permanently protecting the area from large-scale metals mining.

Canada’s Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. and London-based Anglo American are developing the mine near Bristol Bay and the world’s remaining wild sockeye salmon streams. The companies plan to begin permitting the mine next year.

The Pebble Mine is opposed by more than 30 jewelers representing more than $6 billion in annual sales.