Clean Production and Toxics

Superior mining onslaught

Mining companies are actively exploring the lands
surrounding Lake Superior. This map shows where
potential mines are being considered, and highlights
a few of the most serious proposals. (Right click and
view image for full screen version.)
Credit: Save the Wild U.P.

Due to rich geologic formations and a  high demand for metal, the Great Lakes region is facing a potential metallic sulfide and uranium mining boom. Mineral exploration companies are actively pursuing mineral leases near Lake Michigan and around Lake Superior throughout Minnesota, Michigan and Ontario.  Metallic sulfide and uranium mining have a poor track record of significant water pollution and human health implications, leading many citizens to believe the Great Lakes an inappropriate location for a new mining district.

Metallic sulfide mining (hardrock mining) is the mining of metals, such as nickel and copper, which are embedded in a sulfide ore body. When sulfides are unearthed and exposed to water and air, a chemical reaction generates sulfuric acid that can leach into the surrounding environment. This acid mine drainage is a problem because it can introduce toxic heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, into waterways. This is widely held as one of the most important and widespread sources of pollution associated with the mining industry throughout the world.

Uranium mining also has a poor global track record. Although nuclear power is being considered as an alternative energy source to help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, there are many risks associated with the mining and processing of uranium. Mining and exploration can result in the spread of radioactive dust particles through air and water. Exposure to radioactive elements from drinking water, food supplies, or radon gas can cause lung cancer, bone cancer and numerous reproductive problems.

Not only do uranium and metallic sulfide mining pose human health hazards and threaten freshwater, but many of these prospective mines threaten some of the last, and most beloved, public lands throughout the Great Lakes region.

The Places Under Threat

Minnesota’s north shore is a paradise of waterfalls, cliffs and rocky beaches.  Mining corporations are heavily exploring the Arrowhead region located between Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  The area also hosts Voyageurs National Park. The Canadian Polymet Mining Corporation has proposed a mine called the Northmet Project and, according to the company, the proposed mine will generate acid drainage that will likely require perpetual treatment.

Numerous other mining companies are exploring throughout Minnesota. These potential mines threaten numerous wetlands, the headwaters of the Mississippi River and Lake Superior tributaries.

The granite cliffs and rocky coastline of Lake Superior’s north shore of Ontario date back to some of the earliest days of the Earth and are home to the striking Pukaswa National Park and Lake Superior Provincial Park.  Mining corporations are exploring extensively throughout the area from Thunder Bay, South of Lake Nipigon to Sault St. Marie.  Although mining is part of the heritage of this region, most mineral deposits explored today are of a very low grade. This exploration of deeper and lower grade ores in metallic sulfide bodies causes not only a greater disturbance to ecosystems, but also a greater dependence on technology to control or contain the chemicals produced or used. If improper technology is used, or the technological systems fail, damaging consequences such as soil erosion, air pollution and contamination of surface and groundwater can occur. Concern for the health of the Great Lakes is exacerbated when considering the cumulative impacts of potential mining along the north and south shores of Lake Superior.

Lake Superior’s south shore runs through the states of Wisconsin and Michigan.  Due to the introduction of relatively strict mining legislation, there are currently no companies active in Wisconsin. However, pollution, like water, does not obey political boundaries and mines proposed in neighboring Michigan could be harmful to waterways shared across borders.

Although Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has a history of iron mining with some resulting acid mine drainage, metallic sulfide and uranium mining are fairly new prospects in the region. One project of concern is Aquila Resource’s (Canada) proposed gold and zinc metallic sulfide mine that threatens sacred Native American burial grounds and the Shakey Lakes Savanna. Pine and oak barrens and five distinctly different savanna ecosystems define these beautiful public recreational lands. The ore body also lies between both states of Wisconsin and Michigan and along the Menominee River that drains into Lake Michigan.

Another threat to the Great Lakes in Michigan is Anglo-Australian mining giant Kennecott/Rio Tinto’s proposed Eagle Mine project, found in the Huron Mountains on the Yellow Dog Plains.  Kennecott/Rio Tinto is a global mining giant with a reputation as a bad neighbor. It is the first to apply for a permit to operate a metallic sulfide mine under Michigan’s weak new mining law.

The Yellow Dog Plains, part of the Escanaba River State Forest, are surrounded by many state, federal, and private preservation areas, including the McCormick Wilderness. Kennecott proposes to fence off 120 acres of public land for roughly 40 years in order to complete the project.  The company also proposes to blast under the Salmon Trout River, a blue ribbon trout stream and tributary of Lake Superior which is only 10 miles away. The company also proposes to use the Eagle Rock outcrop, sacred to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), as the portal to the proposed mine. Adding to the potential cumulative impact to Lake Superior, many other mining companies are exploring the region as well.
teresa@savethewildup.org

Tags: acid mine drainage, Lake Superior, mining