St. Paul, Minn. (March 22, 2019) – Jobs for Minnesotans today released the following statement following the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issuance of the last remaining major permit for the PolyMet NorthMet Project:
“Jobs for Minnesotans celebrates the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) decision today to issue the Section 404 wetlands permit, which is the final federal permit needed for the PolyMet NorthMet Project. This USACE action marks a major achievement for a new era of mining in Minnesota – allowing the first non-ferrous copper, nickel, precious metals mining project in the state to be built.
“Jobs for Minnesotans commends the USACE, along with all involved state and federal regulatory agencies, for its rigorous process and thorough review of the NorthMet Project over the last decade. The project and its supporters can now put into action what we’ve been saying all along – that it’s possible to mine for these important metals while also protecting the environment.
“PolyMet will bring approximately 360 well-paying and family-sustaining jobs to northeastern Minnesota communities, re-energizing the region’s supplier and professional service network and assure long-term employment for skilled tradespeople. The project will also generate an estimated $515 million annually to cultivate a more diverse and thriving regional and statewide economy, as well as create access to essential metals to power the green economy and our modern world.”
“PolyMet is the first mining company to be approved by state and federal agencies to mine essential metals from the world-class Duluth Complex, one of the largest undeveloped mineral resources in the world with an estimated 4.4 billion tons of ore containing copper, nickel and platinum group metals.
“Jobs for Minnesotans deeply thanks mining supporters across the state for their diligence in voicing support for the NorthMet project throughout the rigorous regulatory review process. Minnesotans should be extremely proud to see this project move forward and usher in a new era of mining for the state.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 55,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 companies and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
###
Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
Cell: 218.590.6978