Posted by Trevor Roy
A planned copper and nickel mine on the Iron Range could rejuvenate an economy that has been ravaged by a major decline in demand for taconite.
Unfortunately the process used to extract these precious metals could cause major environmental harm.
Ken Westlake with the E.P.A said "We know that the processing of these ores is a very chemically intense process so there's a lot of hazardous waste that has to be managed properly a lot of water effluent that has to be managed properly."
Polymet mining has already applied for permits to mine these precious metals that are used in everything from computer chips to catalytic converters.
One of the panelists, Le Lind, president of the Save Lake Superior Association says while Polymet has been addressing some environmental concerns, they aren't going far enough.
"I think there's tremendous potential in this but they still haven't come up with a way to contain the waste and stop the drainage from the waste from contaminating the streams, it's that simple."
Executive Director of Minnesota Mining, Frank Ongaro says despite any perceived environmental dangers, the promise of new jobs can not be ignored.
"This is driving engine stuff that can provide hundreds even thousands of jobs, badly needed jobs in Northeastern Minnesota."
Polymet is currently in its permitting stage for its new mining project.
They're currently in a public comment period that lasts till February third.
The new Polymet mine would be located on the old L–T–V site in Hoyt Lake.
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