We are feeling 1-2 economic squeeze in area
Mesabi Daily News
Editorial
Meanwhile, a key project that will diversify the mining industry in the region and create hundreds of new jobs — the PolyMet copper/nickel/precious metals mine at the former LTV Mining Co. site near Hoyt Lakes — still awaits final approval of its supplemental draft environmental impact statement before permitting can progress to clear the way for construction and production.
What’s at stake is 2 million hours of construction work, 360 permanent jobs and hundreds more spin-off positions.
Hibbing Daily Tribune
Nathan Bergstedt
At the Itasca County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, May 26, Commissioner Rusty Eichorn addressed the rest of the board regarding a resolution drafted by the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training, giving support for the proposed Polymet Mining NorthMet Project near the community of Hoyt Lakes. The board voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.
The resolution stressed the importance of the nonferrous ores that would be sought by the mining project, namely copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, and gold, because of their utility in many modern products like cell phones, computers, and wind turbines. There is currently a very high demand for these metals that has far outgrown what recycling can provide. A study by the University of Minnesota Duluth Labovitz School of Business noted that nonferrous mining in Minnesota could annually bring $515 million in wages to workers in St. Louis County alone.
Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Daniel Kingsley
Congressman Rick Nolan has come under fire for supporting future copper/nickel and iron mining operations in Northeastern Minnesota. Various groups and individuals have even gone as far as questioning his loyalty to his constituents and his fitness to serve.
Hard-working, middle-class families of the 8th Congressional District support Nolan’s views on mining. The entire legislative delegation that represents the Iron Range supports Nolan’s views on mining. Furthermore, both Minnesota U.S. senators, Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, support Nolan’s views on mining.
Read more: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/letters/3744619-readers-view-nolan-listens-constituents-mining
Mining Support
Hibbing Daily Tribune
Opinion: Boris Babich
As we can see on the Iron Range, mining is our livelihood.
The Minnesota Museum of Mining allows visitors to climb aboard historic mining equipment and experience the beauty of the Stone Castle. Iron Range visitors can also see the world’s largest open pit iron mine at the Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine and explore the first underground mine in Minnesota at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Bus tours take you through active taconite mines and scenic overlooks provide the greatest views of operating and non-active mines across the state.
The Iron Range and its residents are proud of the strong mining heritage in Minnesota and it is important to maintain this legacy for years to come.
Pro-mining Boosts Message for Fishing Opener
Northland’s NewsCenter
Bryce Henry
As Governor Dayton and other officials made their way toward Lake Vermillion today, they saw a lot of pro-mining support throughout the area.
The trip up North for Minnesotans to the arrowhead for fishing this year will have mineral lining to it.
“It’s extremely important for us to show the governor and the state of Minnesota how we feel about mining,” said Aurora City Councilor, Dave Lislegard.
Deal Made in 1978 Now Ignored by Those Who Made It
Ely Echo
Opinion: Joe Baltich Jr., Ely resort owner
The Sierra Club and other enviro-groups, along with the state and the mining industry, all signed the agreement that effectively shut down any new mine development given the technology of the time. The enviros cheered and drank champagne from tall fluted crystal glasses made from mined silica while everybody else went home.
Fast-forward to 2005. Duluth Metals and PolyMet put forth new, patented technology that could do what nobody even imagined in 1978. With this new tech, plus light-years of advancements in mining technology, it appears these companies could meet and exceed all of the requirements in that agreement.
Read more: http://www.elyecho.com/articles/2015/05/10/deal-made-1978-now-ignored-those-who-made-it
Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Arik Forsman
The city of Duluth and surrounding communities have made progress toward a more stable economic atmosphere since my wife and I moved here nearly 10 years ago for college, but unemployment in our region is still higher than in some other areas. The layoff numbers keep increasing on the Iron Range, where my father, uncle and cousin are waiting to hear what’s happening next at the taconite mines where they work.
Fortunately, copper-nickel mining projects in the Duluth Complex, one of the world’s largest untapped sources of copper, nickel and other strategic metals, will supply hundreds of mining and spin-off jobs to the region.
Reader’s View: Range Mayors Stand with Nolan on Mining
Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Ely Mayor Chuck Novak
(This letter also was signed by and is from Aurora Mayor Mary Hess, Babbitt Mayor Andrea Zupancich, Biwabik Mayor Jim Weikum, Chisholm Mayor Mike A. Jugovich, Embarrass Township Board Chairman Gene Wright, Eveleth Mayor Bob Vlaisavljevich, Gilbert Mayor Rob Kutsi, Grand Rapids Mayor Dale Adams, Hibbing Mayor Rick Cannata, Hoyt Lakes Mayor Mark Skelton, Keewatin Mayor William King, Mountain Iron Mayor Gary Skalko, Nashwauk Mayor Ben DeNucci, Tower Mayor Joshua Carlson, Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe, and White Township Board Chairman Edward Kippely.)
This letter is in response to recent claims posited by a vocal minority about the future of mining in Northeastern Minnesota. As Iron Range mayors and township board chairmen, we represent the interests of Northeastern Minnesotans. We’re tired of people who represent the interests of St. Paul or other areas of the state pretending to know what is best for our region. We live and work in Northeastern Minnesota and take great pride in representing and preserving our Iron Range heritage. It is our responsibility to carry our respective communities into the future, to build on past successes and create opportunities for our children to thrive — and we do this unapologetically.
Read more: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/letters/3730849-readers-view-range-mayors-stand-nolan-mining
Reader’s View: Nolan Leading on Jobs and the Environment
Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Craig Olson
Reading the News Tribune’s April 7 editorial (Our View: “No apologies from Nolan on environment”) reminded me that Congressman Rick Nolan always has stated that we do not need to choose between jobs or the environment. This is a false choice, and Nolan’s leadership demonstrates his understanding of the complex issues we face.
Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Kirk D. Haldorson
We need to either grow it or mine it if northern Minnesota is going to provide for future generations.
My parents raised six children, and all six went on to some sort of higher education — all because of one mining job.
All six children went on to get married, and all six children and their spouses currently live, work and pay state income taxes to Minnesota — all due to one mining job.