Mining/Shipping: Mining Copper Backed in Letter
Mining Minnesota, A trade association for nonferrous mining, sent a letter recently to Gov. Mark Dayton regarding four questions put to him by anti-mining activists: Ensuring Minnesota’s waters are protected, that environmental safeguards are in place, that reclamation of minelands will take place after mining is done, and that taxpayers will be protected from any financial burdens.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have multiple water quality rules in place, requiring companies to have comprehensive controls for a quality air and water environment.
Mining Minnesota Executive Director Frank Ongaro also told the governor that companies have to show necessary funding in place and also have plans to prevent pollution and to fix any unforeseen situations.
Majority Committed
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
Reader’s View: We All Support Mining, and Mining Supports Us
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/
“Go Polymet” New Awareness Campaign Promotes Non-Ferrous Mining
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.
Minnesotans Malleable on Copper Mining, Polls Show
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