SD mine example of ‘worst that can happen’

Minnesota may be home to a new $650 million open pit mining operation, but first its Governor is touring two operations in other states to get an idea of both the best and worst environmental outcomes.

The controversial copper and nickel project entitled “NorthMet” is proposed to be built on the Iron Range is a topic of discussion in both the media and at the dinner table of locals who fear the impacts to the environment could be detrimental.

On the other hand, officials with PolyMet Mining Corp. said their project in northeast Minnesota promises to bring some 300 to 350 jobs to northeastern Minnesota and is expected produce 72 million pounds of copper, 15.4 million pounds of nickel, 720,000 pounds of cobalt and 106,000 troy ounces of precious metals each year.

Mark Dayton called the decision to move forward or not will be “the most momentous, difficult and controversial” of his career as governor.

That decision is coming soon, as a 10-year environmental review of NorthMet is due for completion in November. Shortly after that PolyMet is expected to apply for a permit to start construction.

For me, it isn’t surprising South Dakota made the list. It was reported that environmental groups are suggesting a tour of the Gilt Edge Mine about seven miles outside of Lead as an example of the “worst that can happen.” Opened in the late 1800s, it produced gold and silver until 1999, when the owner declared bankruptcy and abandoned it. It is now a highly contaminated Superfund site.

The EPA is reporting that ground water contamination is “not under control” at Gilt Edge Mine located just outside of Lead, South Dakota. This image, along with several others will show Minnesota’s governor what the “worst” case scenario can be when a mining company moves into your state. Courtesy image

Like PolyMet’s project, Gilt Edge involves mining for metals in sulfide-bearing rock, which can cause highly acidic water pollution when exposed to air and water.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and South Dakota have spent more than $105 million to clean up the site, but the mine continues to pollute surrounding creeks and the site profile continues to state that the “contaminated ground water status” is not under control.

It costs at least $2 million a year just to treat acid drainage every year. In addition to those dollars, in January of this year, the EPA reported that it will spend an extra $50-million to reduce acid mine drainage at a former strip mine.

Now for the best example. The second mine the Minnesota governor plans on touring is located in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan at a copper-nickel mine about 40 miles west of Marquette.

The Eagle Mine went into production in September 2014 after a 12-year legal and political battle, and it remains controversial among local environmental groups and Indian tribes.

To read more about the NorthMet project, click here.