Pioneer Press
Editorial Board
Minnesotans should appreciate the process that is purposefully working its way to a conclusion as the state decides whether to allow copper and nickel mining on the Iron Range.
After 10 years, it reached a landmark Friday when the state’s Department of Natural Resources issued the final environmental impact statement on the proposed PolyMet mine near Hoyt Lakes in northeastern Minnesota. If other steps proceed and the department approves of the 3,000-page document early next year, the company then could begin applying for the nearly two dozen permits it will need.
Our view: Embrace PolyMet’s milestone
Duluth News Tribune
Editorial Board
After more than 10 years of environmental review — and with the end of that process now imminent and the start of the permitting process poised to begin — northern Minnesota could be providing the copper and other precious metals the world needs before the end of next year. Importantly for northern Minnesota, that also means we soon could be basking in the benefit of hundreds of millions of dollars of long-promised economic impact from the industry.
Read more: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/our-view/3875207-our-view-embrace-polymets-milestone
Local View: Duluthians, Let’s Support Progress, Not NIMBYism
Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Craig Olson and Brian Hanson
Our state and federal agencies have a thorough process in place to ensure the proposed PolyMet mine meets all of the rigorous environmental protections required by law, including providing significant financial assurances. Regulations aren’t anything new. Trusted systems are in place to make sure that legal, responsible projects can deliver hundreds of jobs and a protected environment. All businesses — from your local day care to the accounting firm that does your taxes to mining companies — must meet regulations to ensure our assets are protected.
Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Karl Everett
We need mining for jobs and the economy in Minnesota. Mining continues to be one of the largest contributors to Northeastern Minnesota’s economy and directly employs thousands of men and women in high-paying jobs with medical benefits and supports additional people employed by vendors. Part of the direct impact to the economy includes taxes and royalties paid by the mining industry toward Minnesota’s education.
MINE VIII: Promises Made, Promises Kept
Mesabi Daily News
Opinion: Nancy Norr
The support of the communities, dedication to protecting the environment and the personal work ethic to do mining right have made Eagle Mine a success.
I’m proud to say these same qualities are already evident in the proposed PolyMet project. The project is a beacon of hope for the East Range communities that have waited patiently for the completion of the 10-year environmental review process. That resiliency cannot last forever.