Mesabi Daily News
Bill Hanna

A majority of the five-member Executive Council will vote to approve 31 mineral leases at a meeting this week, which will pave the way for more exploration of copper/nickel/precious metals in the region.

Gov. Mark Dayton, Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner-Solon and Attorney General Lori Swanson told the Mesabi Daily News that they will be at Friday’s Executive Council meeting and vote yes on the issue.

Dayton’s support is critical to the leases moving forward. He had voted last December, along with Auditor Rebecca Otto and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, to delay issuing them. Swanson was the sole vote for approval. Prettner-Solon was not at the meeting, but has said she would have voted yes.

Read more: http://www.virginiamn.com/news/local/article_cbdd42aa-3932-11e3-881f-0019bb2963f4.html

Duluth News Tribune
Mary Tome

In his Oct. 13 commentary, Joseph Legueri claimed some of those on the Iron Range displaying “We Support Mining” signs are confused about what mining they are supporting. Hopefully I can bring some clarity to the confusion.

If you drink out of a glass, eat out of a bowl, brush your teeth, walk on a sidewalk, have windows in your home or scrub your sink with Ajax, you support mining. If you own a phone, use a computer, watch television or salt your popcorn, you support mining.

If you fish, canoe, drive a car, use a road, refrigerate your food or take a morning shower, you support mining — and mining supports you.

Read more: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/280832/group/Opinion/

Northland’s NewsCenter

Go Polymet,” is the slogan of a new public awareness campaign to promote the future of copper-nickel mining in Northeastern Minnesota.

As part of its campaign, PolyMet has created “Go PolyMet dot com”, a website with details about its mining project and ways the public can support efforts to build a plant near Hoyt Lakes.

When fully operational the half billion dollar plant is expected to employ 360 mining and business professionals and hundreds more in spin-off jobs.

Read more: http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/Go-Polymet-New-awarness-campaign-promotes-non-ferrous-mining-227937041.html

Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Jim Hammerand

Minnesota copper mining backers are pointing to a new state poll that shows support for copper projects.

The poll, commissioned by pro-mining group Jobs for Minnesotans, found 48 percent of Minnesota voters support copper nickel mining, 22 percent oppose it and 31 percent need more information to decide.

The poll contradicts a survey conducted by an anti-mining group that found slim opposition to copper mines but 40 percent who weren’t sure either way. Both polls pointed to a large share of undecided Minnesotans, who might be more informed when regulators release a revised environmental review of the PolyMet project later this year.

Read more: http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2013/10/10/minnesota-copper-mining-polls-pollution.html

Duluth News Tribune
John Myers

A group organized to help push copper mining projects in northeastern Minnesota released the results of statewide polls Tuesday that shows support for copper projects here.

The poll of 603 registered Minnesota voters– paid for by Jobs for Minnesotans, which includes business, labor and civic leaders – found 48 percent support copper-nickel mining, while just 22 percent oppose it, and 31 percent didn’t know enough to say.

When Iron Range voters were polled, a full 70 percent supported copper mining, with 15 percent opposed.

“Overall, Minnesotans hold positive attitudes towards our state’s mining industry and the development of copper-nickel mining,” Harry Melander, Jobs for Minnesotans board member and president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, said in a statement.

Read more: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/280004/group/Business/