Test drilling done to date by mining companies has determined that there are recoverable amounts of copper and nickel in the sulfide ores in our area. We have the possibility of some new mining jobs coming into our area. Our area has also been hit hard by the recent economic downturn and new jobs would be dearly welcomed. However, this is just one piece of a very complex puzzle that needs to be considered if the results we desire are to include maintaining the natural beauty and present day, at a minimum, functionality of the BWCA.<\/p>\n
This area is known for its iron mines and long history of supporting the mining industry. The process of mining copper and nickel are so different from the process of mining iron ore that we, as residents of this area, and anyone who values the BWCA and their experiences here, must look carefully at the downside of sulfide mining and the likelihood of \u201cacid mine drainage\u201d into the BWCA.<\/p>\n
I have found no one against mining or bringing new jobs into our area. Everyone would like to see economic development, prosperity and the new jobs that a new business would bring to our area. However, many of these same people are understandably unwilling to sacrifice the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and clean water for those same jobs.<\/p>\n
In the next few weeks, we will attempt to gather facts from any and all sides of this issue and let you know what is happening here. If you have ever been to Ely or the BWCA, know someone who has or know of someone who might someday want the same opportunity to enjoy the BWCA as you have, please let them know and ask them to participate in the discussion. Let your thoughts and feelings be known, email us with your thoughts questions or concerns. If you ask a question we don\u2019t know how to answer or don\u2019t have the facts to be able to answer properly, we will find someone involved with the process that will. If you prefer contact the stakeholders directly.<\/p>\n
For starters check out the following links to learn what Sulfide Mining is and some history of the effects of Sulfide Mining. Then do a search for \u201cacid mine drainage\u201d on Google and see what you find. Then do a search on Google for \u201csafe sulfide mining\u201d and see what you find. What do you think?<\/p>\n
Please visit as many of the resources listed as possilbe until you are comfortable with your understanding of the difference between iron mining and copper hard rock sulfide mining.\u00a0 They are not the same, they are not even similar, except for taking a mineral out of the ground.\u00a0 The economics, processing and environmental effects are like night and day in their differences.\u00a0 We think you will be surprised at what you find.<\/p>\n
Contact Us<\/a><\/p>\n ElyMinnesota.com’s Sulfide Mining Blog<\/a><\/p>\n Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness<\/a><\/p>\n Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Save Our Sky Blue Waters<\/a><\/p>\n Acid Mine Drainage and Effects on Fish Health and Ecology<\/a><\/p>\n
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