The company that wants to build an iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin now says it may not need to use explosives to survey the area.
Gogebic Taconite has been conducting exploratory drilling at the site of the proposed mine in Iron and Ashland Counties. The company this week responded to concerns raised by the Department of Natural Resources about the possible use of explosives to sample underground rock at the site.
Rather than use explosives, Gogebic says it will examine much of the rocks left behind from a 1960s U.S. Steel mining operation. If the review is successful, the company says it would allow them to create fewer sampling sites and eliminate the need for any blasting.
The DNR had also ordered Gogebic to outline its plans to restore the sampling sites, and re-establish vegetation. Much of the land is in the state’s Managed Forest program, which allows the public can hunt, fish, hike, and cross country ski on the land.
Larry Lee, WSAU
