Mining Minnesota, A trade association for nonferrous mining, sent a letter recently to Gov. Mark Dayton regarding four questions put to him by anti-mining activists: Ensuring Minnesota’s waters are protected, that environmental safeguards are in place, that reclamation of minelands will take place after mining is done, and that taxpayers will be protected from any financial burdens.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have multiple water quality rules in place, requiring companies to have comprehensive controls for a quality air and water environment.
Mining Minnesota Executive Director Frank Ongaro also told the governor that companies have to show necessary funding in place and also have plans to prevent pollution and to fix any unforeseen situations.