Mining Support

May 12, 2015

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.

Read more: http://www.hibbingmn.com/opinion/open_forum/mining-support/article_76e4aaa6-f84c-11e4-a42d-076702b4842d.html?_dc=323561718.6874151

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.

Read more: http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/iron-range/Pro-mining-message-ramps-up-for-fishing-opener.html

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.

Read more: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/readers-views/3741359-readers-view-copper-nickel-mining-vital-regions-economy

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