The formal application for an iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin is at least a year away. Gogebic Taconite was planning to submit their application to mine in the Penokee Hills next spring, but that has been delayed by the need to complete additional field work.
A company spokesman told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Tuesday they will have to conduct more environmental field work next summer, delaying the filing of the application until at least next fall or beyond. Some of this year’s field work is winding down before fall sets in.
The proposed $1.5 billion dollar project in Ashland and Iron counties is expected to be an economic boost to the region, but many environmentalists and Native American tribes oppose the mine. Some experts question if the ore will be feasible and safe to mine with its high asbestos-like mineral content.
WSAU