Posted by Sara Niklas

The Iron Range is buzzing with the release of PolyMet's long–awaited environmental impact statement.

This week marks the beginning of the official public commentary period.

After four years of research and 1,800 pages, the publication of PolyMet's environmental impact statement brings Minnesota one step closer to building its first copper–nickel mine.

"There's a lot of ore and there could be nonferrous mining in Minnesota for a very long time," said vice president of governmental and environmental affairs for PolyMet, LaTisha Gietzen.

PolyMet is the furthest along of several companies looking to build copper–nickel mines on the Iron Range.

Copper–nickel mines have caused serious environmental damage in other parts of the world, raising concern, but PolyMet officials say the type of technology they will use won't have those damaging effects.

"We've got over 4 years of test data on our specific rock as well as technology that's being utilized to help protect the environment," said Gietzen.

Supporters say PolyMet's release of the EIS is an important step forward for a new industry in Minnesota.

"It's a chance to show that right here in Minnesota we can mine these metals, process them; the metals we use every day in laptops, cars, cell phones and we can do it in an environmentally responsible manner and actually reduce the carbon footprint and do it right here with Minnesota jobs that are right here in this region," said Frank Ongaro, executive director for Mining Minnesota.

The PolyMet project would create at least 400 permanent jobs.

PolyMet will hold two public meetings in the coming months to hear verbal comments regarding the environmental impact statement.