The state Department of Natural Resources has signed off on an exploratory drilling application for a possible iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin. The DNR says it has approved an exploratory drilling license for Gogebic Taconite, which will allow the company to drill eight holes across a four-mile stretch of Ashland and Iron counties as it investigates the viability of opening an iron ore mine in the region.
It’s the first exploration license issued using the new iron mining law enacted earlier this year.
The company had initially asked to drill up to 13 holes, but reduced that to eight after the DNR staff raised concerns about storm water and potential wetland issues at some of the locations.
