Polymet Mining Receives Final Permit

Polymet Mining has received their final required permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their copper nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes. It has been a long contentious battle between proponents for the mine and people concerned about the environmental impact.

The final permit is for allowing Polymet to discharge dredged and fill material into 900 acres of water, according to the Duluth News Tribune.

The original permit application asked for an addition 500 acres of wetland for the operation, but the now approved alternative permit aims to reduce the ecological impact of the operation.

The mine will no doubt bring jobs to the Iron Range. The site of the mine is the old LTV plant. When I was growing up in that area, I remember a lot of my friend's parents losing their jobs when it closed. The economy on the Iron Range suffered tremendously, and the Polymet Mine will definitely help the local economy.

On the other hand, many concerns have arised with this new to the area type of mining. The main worry is toxic runoff could enter our watershed of the St. Louis River and Lake Superior.

Regardless of your thoughts on the issue, the mine will be moving forward after today's news.