Grand Rapids Herald-Review
Bill Hanna

The PolyMet copper/nickel/precious metals project near Hoyt Lakes and Babbitt got some good news from the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday.

The EPA, on the same day that the three-month public comment period on it for its supplemental draft environmental impact statement concluded, issued a EC-2 rating for that document dealing with the company’s NorthMet project.

Pioneer Press
Opinion: Dave Semerad

As CEO of Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, and writing for the state’s oldest and largest construction trade association, AGC believes the PolyMet project represents an extraordinary opportunity for all Minnesotans.

This project will infuse economic vitality into communities that understand and embrace the importance of clean air and water, and the conservation of our forests, wildlife and countryside.

Read more: http://www.twincities.com/letters/ci_25339630/make-it-personal

Duluth News Tribune
Opinion: Nancy Norr

In my 25 years of experience as an economic-development professional, I’ve never come across an opportunity as important to Northeastern Minnesota’s economic future as copper-nickel mining. A significant economic base for this region is and will remain mining. The growth of this industry is critical to the long-term success of the region and will support a way of life for generations to come. The economic opportunity stretches from the environmental technician at the mine site in Hoyt Lakes to the engineering professionals in downtown Duluth.

PolyMet Mining’s proposed NorthMet project represents a continuation of our strong mining tradition. As the public comment period for the project’s Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement comes to a close, we are one step closer to bringing 360 full-time mining jobs to the Iron Range and more than 600 spinoff jobs in other industries.

These are career opportunities our young people need to support families. Too often in greater Minnesota we see empty storefronts, classrooms and industrial parks. Longtime residents are forced to move their families out of town to find work. This is the present, but it does not have to be the future; we can have thriving communities again.

Read more: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/293711/group/Business/

Grand Rapids Herald-Review
Opinion: Nancy Norr

After 25 years in economic development, I’ve never come across an opportunity as important to our region’s future as copper-nickel mining. The growth of this industry is critical to our long-term success and will support a way of life for generations to come.

As the public comment period for PolyMet’s Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement comes to a close, we are one step closer to bringing 360 full-time mining jobs to the Range and more than 600 spin-off jobs in other industries. These are career opportunities that our young people need to support families. In my travels in Northern Minnesota I still see too many empty storefronts and industrial parks. Without jobs, long-time residents are forced to move their families out of town to find work. This is the present, but it does not have to be the future – we can thrive again.

Read more: http://www.grandrapidsmn.com/opinion/article_e3b0ea22-a641-11e3-bb1f-001a4bcf887a.html

Mesabi Daily News
Opinion: U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan

Common sense tells me Iron Range mining is good for our economy — achieving energy independence, creating jobs, and going “Green.”