Gogebic Taconite is preparing to move forward with plans for a possible iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin.
Ann Coakley with the state Department of Natural Resources says the agency was informed late last week that the company intends to apply for a license to do exploratory drilling. Coakley says the company is expected to formally apply sometime this spring, after the snow melts near the site in Iron and Ashland counties. DNR staff will need to be able to get in and assess any potential impact to wetlands near the exploration boring locations.
AUDIO: Ann Coakley, DNR (:17)
Coakley says Gogebic has also given the DNR verbal notice that they plan to submit a bulk sampling plan sometime this spring. If approved, that would allow the company to remove parts of the ore body to analyze.
A controversial new mining law took effect just this week, which streamlines the permitting process for a possible mine in northern Wisconsin.