The Copperwood project in Wakefield and Ironwood Townships in Gogebic County presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Michigan and the Western Upper Peninsula.
The project will create more than 380 permanent jobs, 300 construction jobs and meet Michigan’s stringent mining and environmental regulations.
“Both state and national environmental regulations ensure the protection of our environment, said Invest UP Vice Chair Matt Johnson. “All mining must demonstrate modern mining practices and the highest of environmental standards while operating.”
If approved, the State of Michigan’s Strategic Site Readiness grant will be used to make critical improvements and upgrades to local roads, power and telecommunications infrastructure that will support this project and the surrounding community for years to come.
Despite the undeniable, transformational impact of this project, there’s been a recent surge in misinformation. Our legislators and the people of Michigan deserve the facts.
“We believe that opposition has an important role to play in mining. It holds both mining companies and governments accountable. We also believe there is an obligation to present information in a fair and factual manner”, said Barry O’Shea, CEO of Highland Copper, Copperwood’s parent company. “Highland continues to believe that when mining is done right, the creation of jobs does not need to be at the expense of the environment. We acknowledge this obligation to all local communities and stakeholders, including those who oppose the project”.
Here are the facts:
● The Copperwood project meets Michigan’s mining laws which are some of the strictest in the nation and were passed with the support of environmental advocacy groups including The National Wildlife Federation, Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the Michigan Environmental Council.
● Copperwood will not draw water from Lake Superior.
● Copperwood is rigorously engineered to ensure that no pollution of groundwater, surrounding streams and rivers, or Lake Superior will occur.
● Copperwood is not permitted to mine under Porcupine Mountain State Park.
● The Copperwood project is one of very few fully permitted greenfield copper mines in the United States. The copper being mined has a non-acid generating ore body, meaning it is incapable of producing acidic runoff that would adversely affect the environment and the health of people or animals.
● Copperwood’s tailings disposal facility is designed to protect against breaches both large and small. The facility is subject to rigorous design criteria and review by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, guided by stringent and modern mining regulation in Michigan.
● The Copperwood project will generate a capital investment of $425 million. It is projected to provide more than $15 million annually in local, county, state, and federal revenue and increase business spending across the state by more than $130 million annually.
● As required by Michigan law, Highland Copper maintains a bond with the state to ensure that the cost of mine closure and remediation is covered by the company, no matter what.
“The Copperwood project has been designed responsibly, in line with Michigan’s stringent mining regulation which requires significant environmental controls and mitigations,” O’Shea said. “ We believe Copperwood can bring a needed economic boost to the Western UP, support domestic supply of copper, and be respectful of the region’s natural beauty.”
Twenty-two units of government, ranging from townships to county boards, have issued resolutions of support, nearly ten local institutions have submitted letters of support, and dozens of community members have spoken publicly in support.
“For over a decade, Wakefield Township has been involved with and fully supports Highland Copper and their continuing efforts in creating a fully permitted, safe mining operation within our township and neighboring Ironwood Township,” said Wakefield Township Supervisor Mandy Lake. “The proposed Copperwood Mine brings hope to our surrounding communities to have a sustainable future in the Western Upper Peninsula”.
Ryan Stern, U.P. representative of the Michigan Building Trades Council, said “for far too long, high school seniors have left the area to seek good-paying jobs. This project will give those graduating high school an opportunity to earn a good living without having to relocate.”
“The history of mining on the Gogebic Range defines who we are,” said Ironwood Township Supervisor Jay Kangas. “To bring an environmentally sound copper mine to the Upper Peninsula once more will not only revitalize our regional economy, but it will lessen our state and national dependence on the foreign supply of copper. The legacy the mining industry created remains strong.”
The full list of frequently asked questions and answers can be found on the Copperwood Project website, linked here.
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