Gov. Mark Dayton visited the Gilt Edge Mine in South Dakota on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. He will also visit the Eagle Mine in Michigan on Thursday, Oct. 29 in an effort to better understand nonferrous mineral mining as he weighs a decision on permitting PolyMet near Hoyt Lakes. The Gilt Edge Mine is a Superfund site that has cost millions to fix. Industry supporters point to the Eagle Mine as an example of one that uses better environmental technology. (PHOTO: Matt Swenson of Governor Dayton’s office)
I’ve already expounded upon challenges facing the iron mining industry on the Mesabi today, but state political news is focusing on the much louder though more theoretical debate over nonferrous mining in Northeastern Minnesota. Well, that debate is finally starting to get real.
Gov. Mark Dayton visited the Gilt Edge Mine in South Dakota yesterday and travels to the Eagle Mine in Michigan tomorrow. The reason for his travels is to gather first-hand perspective on mines that have become environmental disasters and others than have implemented better environmental technology. In just a few weeks, wheels will begin turning that will determine whether or not PolyMet — the proposed nonferrous mine near Hoyt Lakes — gets environmental permits that would allow it to seek investment to mine new minerals on the Iron Range.
Gov. Dayton listens to a presentation at Gilt Edge Mine in South Dakota on Oct. 27, 2015.
Rather than hide behind the red tape of state bureaucracy, Dayton is opting for a very public, very hand-on approach to the hard decision that has to be made. Whatever it is, he’s going to own it.
Here is a link to audio of the press conference given by Gov. Dayton after yesterday’s Gilt Edge Mine tour. There will be another press conference after Thursday’s visit to the Eagle Mine that I will add here.
As we’ve discussed here before, many factors will determine whether or not nonferrous mining happens in Northeastern Minnesota (and especially when).
In my view, the biggest factor is financing. Will a big mining company float the billion dollars necessary to open such an ambitious new project. PolyMet says yes. I have my doubts.
The second biggest factor is the permitting, and that’s where all the yelling will be focused. Part one is whether the state grants the permits. They may, or they may not. We might know that by next summer (or more likely just after the election in November). Part two is the legal process where Ojibwa bands and others challenge components of the permitting process citing science, treaty rights and new water data. That part could take years or even a decade.
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