Metal-sulfide mining is very different from iron ore mining. Copper ore contains sulfide, which oxidizes to sulfuric acid and leaches into the environment. PolyMet’s project proposes open pit mines, waste rock piles, and tailings storage all of which will lead to the leaching of sulfates, mercury and other heavy metals into the surrounding environment. And in this case the surrounding environment is wetland areas in the Superior National Forest and the Partridge and Embarrass rivers.
Independent review of the project and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement by Tribal agencies and the EPA shows that the DNR is significantly underestimating the pollution that will occur. PolyMet claims that their new mining techniques are environmentally sound, but we only need to look to Wisconsin and Michigan to see the environmental consequences of mining copper ore. Liners and wastewater treatment aren’t going to be enough to insure that our Minnesota water stays clean.
PolyMet is only proposing 20 years operation. Initially they will export metal concentrates and they are not required to build the processing plant that accounts for many projected jobs. Further, of those jobs created, estimates are that at least 60% of construction and operations workers will not be local. Metals will be exported to world markets and profits will be exported to foreign shareholders, rather than supporting the local economy. Such a proposal hardly speaks of sustainable, local economic development.
Public comments are critical to insure the PolyMet and other sulfide mining projects are given adequate scrutiny. Information is available at www.waterlegacy. org or www.friends-bwca.org.
Melinda Suelflow
Finland, MN
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