Hal Quinn Discusses Twin Metals With WELY Radio in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to one of the largest undeveloped mineral deposits in the world, including copper, nickel, palladium, gold and more, which are vital to the production of hand-held electronics, advanced energy technology and hybrid vehicles – just to name a few.
These resources also offer Minnesota a unique economic opportunity. The Twin Metals Minnesota Duluth Complex could create jobs for generations: more than 5,000 construction jobs in addition to 1,300 full-time positions. And the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual wage for a Minnesota mining job is roughly $72,000, more than $25,000 higher than the all-industries average. Plus, the project will also generate tax and royalty revenue for state and local governments.
Recently, Hal Quinn, National Mining Association’s president and CEO, and Bob McFarlin, vice president of public and government affairs at Twin Metals Minnesota, took some time to discuss the project with the End of Road morning show on WELY 94.5 FM.
Star Tribune
Opinion: W.W. Bednarczyk
You want the jobs? The tax revenue? Or what?
It gets tiring to hear discussion of only the same old partisan arguments (“DFL leaders lay out agenda for session,” Aug. 30). May I submit that both parties get creative and think about an agenda item that supports new tax revenues and job creators instead of tax increases on existing revenue generators.
We as Minnesotans have a rare opportunity to unite and rally our representatives (state and federal) to give their political weight to PolyMet Mining in northeastern Minnesota. This should be nonpartisan and a no-brainer! No tax money, taxpayer financial risk or partner vetting, as with the Vikings stadium. All private investment and investor risk.
Read more: http://www.startribune.com/opinion/letters/221865591.html?page=1&c=y
Mining Opponents: You Think You Know Ely’s Needs?
Star Tribune
Opinion: Joe Baltich
These days, everybody has a lot to say about mining, tourism and the northern Minnesota economy. Many from the Twin Cities area oppose an underground copper-mining proposal near Ely and have been trying to stop the project in its tracks.
One of their reasons for doing so is well-intended — they want to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The second reason is more self-serving — they want to protect it for whenever the day comes that they decide to pay a visit.
I felt that it is time someone actually from Ely explained our reality. We want to protect the BWCA all the time, and we also want to be a viable, vibrant community. It is hard to do that with outside forces trying to stifle economic activity.
Read more: http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/221866181.html
An Economic Call to Arms
Ely Echo
Tom Coombe
With household income lagging far behind state averages, the downtown dotted by empty storefronts and school enrollments resting at a fraction of previous highs, a parade of Ely area leaders said Tuesday that it’s time to do more to spur job creation in the region.
That may include an alliance and perhaps even local government funding for Up North Jobs, a newly-formed nonprofit that’s promoting economic development in the region and fighting opposition to copper-nickel mining projects.
Gerald Tyler, who formed Up North Jobs two months ago and serves as its chairman and executive director, went before Ely council members during their monthly study session and was joined by representatives of several area governments and local entities.
Tyler said that Up North Jobs has joined a statewide coalition – Jobs for Minnesotans – and hopes to enroll 3,000 members over the next year.
Read more: http://www.elyecho.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=12903&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2
Iron Range Engineering Gains Accreditation
Business North
The Daily Briefing
Iron Range Engineering (IRE) has earned accreditation, which is being retroactively applied to all previous IRE graduates.
“The exciting news of Iron Range Engineering receiving ABET accreditation represents tremendous value to the business community in Northern Minnesota,” said Robb Bigelow, project manager at Magnetation, Inc. “The accreditation provides those of us in industry who are looking to find top-end engineering talent only more evidence that the students of IRE are ready to step through our doors and work at an extremely high and productive level.”
“The announcement of the accreditation is exciting news for northeastern Minnesota,” said Tony Sertich, commissioner of Iron Range Resources. “The Iron Range Engineering program is evidence of the IRRRB’s commitment in investing in education-based economic development. This program allows northeastern Minnesota to grow its own talent to meet the needs of our region’s economy.”
Read more: http://www.businessnorth.com/briefing.asp?RID=5522