Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker says he’s excited by the possibility of a new mining project in the northern part of the state.
Gogebic Taconite is developing plans for an open pit iron ore mine spanning parts of Ashland and Iron Counties. Walker says it’s an opportunity to create new jobs in an area of the state where they are badly needed. He says this type of project could create a lot of long term gains for workers, with jobs that could go on for generations.
Still, Walker says there’s clearly a lot of work that has to be done before the project can move ahead. In meeting with developers, Walker says he advised them to reach out as broadly as possible to local and tribal leaders, along with conservation groups.
The last proposed mining project in the state was near Crandon, which was stalled because of tribal and environmental concerns. Wisconsin also has a strict moratorium on new mining projects that requires strict pollution controls. Walker says those are all factors that will have to be considered. He says developers are on a very reasonable time table, and he’s sure the Legislature would be willing to work with them on a project that could bring jobs and economic development to the state.
