Mesabi Daily News
Bill Hanna
Mining, in all forms in Minnesota, has strong support, according to a survey commissioned by the Jobs for Minnesotans group.
“The bottom line is this: Minnesota voters support increased mining and are favorable towards the mining industry. While they rightfully care about protecting the environment, voters feel that the state’s existing regulatory system — including DNR approval for all new mining projects — is strong enough to ensure new copper/nickel projects will be done in an environmentally responsible way,” the Global Strategy Group, which did the survey and released the results on Monday, said in a news release.
“Overall, Minnesotans hold positive attitudes towards our state’s mining industry and the development of copper/nickel mining,” said Harry Melander, Jobs for Minnesotans board member and president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council.
“Minnesota has the opportunity to gain thousands of jobs through these mining projects. Support for copper/nickel mining not only demonstrates our state’s commitment to the mining industry but also the support for economic growth on the Iron Range and across the state.”