PolyMet Submits 4 Permit Applications
Mesabi Daily News
Bill Hanna
PolyMet Mining has submitted the first four applications for its copper/nickel/precious metals project near Hoyt Lakes and Babbitt to the Department of Natural Resources.
The company also announced on Monday that it has repaid a $5.1 million loan, including interest, to the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board.
The applications are for water-related permits required for construction and operation of the PolyMet project to be located in the footprint of the former LTV Mining Co. site.
“Formal submission of water-related permit applications is another important milestone for PolyMet and the NorthMet Project,” said PolyMet President and CEO Jon Cherry.
Mining Supporters Rally in Virginia
KQDS TV
Zach Richie
*Click link to view video
Iron Range Leaders gathered in Virginia to voice their anger towards the U.S. Forest Service over a listening session taking place on mineral lease renewals in Duluth.
“It’s not just about Minnesota’s Iron Range. It’s about our national security, it’s about our national economy, it’s about our ability to grow and prosper,” said Nolan.
The Forest Service said they want to get public opinion on the issue, but this crowd said they are not being heard.
Read More: http://www.fox21online.com/news/local-news/mining-supporters-rally-in-virginia/40268908
WDIO TV
Staff
*Click link to view video
They stood together, representing business, the trades, cities, counties, and legislative districts. And the leaders on the Range want the U.S. Forest Service to know, they are not happy about the agency’s stance on the Twin Metals project.
“They’ve changed the rules, and to add insult to injury, they’re holding a public hearing in Duluth. Which is not convenient and not accessible to the majority of Iron Range residents who live here, and will be directly impacted if the mine comes to fruition,” said Steve Giorgi, executive director of RAMS.
Congressman Rick Nolan has been outspoken and critical of the Forest Service since the statement was issued. He and Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar have sent a letter to the agency, requesting a public listening session on the Iron Range.
Read More: http://www.wdio.com/TWIM/mining-twin-metals-environment-forest-service-iron-range/4183573/
Star Tribune
Steve Karnowski
A company that wants to build an underground copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota criticized the U.S. Forest Service on Tuesday for saying it may deny renewal of the mineral leases needed for the $2.8 billion project near Ely.
Twin Metals Minnesota said the Forest Service’s statement “suggests a disturbing predisposition or bias” against renewing the leases even before the federal agency opens a 30-day public comment period next Monday. The company said it’s “evaluating all options” to protect its property and due process rights, and says it’s entitled to renew the two leases, which were first issued in 1966 and last renewed in 2004.
Read More: http://www.startribune.com/copper-mine-developer-fires-back-against-us-forest-service/382991171/
NorthMet mine should be allowed to proceed
MinnPost
Bryn Howe, Minnetonka Middle School East
Our class has been learning about plans to open a new mine in Minnesota, and the pros and cons of that proposed mine. In my opinion, PolyMet should be permitted to open this new mine (called NorthMet) in Minnesota. PolyMet, a mining company, is interested in becoming the first company to mine copper, nickel, and other precious metals in northeastern Minnesota, or more specifically, the Duluth Complex, an area rich in minerals that borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
Read more: https://www.minnpost.com/letters/2016/05/northmet-mine-should-be-allowed-proceed