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Dan Kraker
Duluth

DNR says it has enough info to OK mine expansion

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has determined that a proposed taconite mine expansion does not require a full environmental review.

Northshore Mining wants to expand its Peter Mitchell Mine, south of Babbitt, by 108 acres. Cliffs Natural Resources, owner of the company, has said that would allow for five to 10 more years of mining. Overall, the mine is expected to operate 70 more years.

Northshore sends crushed ore from the mine by train to its plant in Silver Bay, where it produces taconite pellets that are shipped to steel mills in the lower Great Lakes.

The DNR conducted a so-called "environmental assessment" of the project. But environmentalists asked for a more thorough environmental impact statement (EIS) because the expansion would dig up rocks containing sulfur. That's the same kind of ore involved in copper nickel mining. When it comes into contact with water and air, it can cause pollution known as acid mine drainage.

Those who pushed for an EIS, the agency said, focused on several issues, including the sulfur content of the waste rock, the cumulative effects of past mining and effects on wild rice from sulfate in mine discharges.

The DNR said it has adequate information on potential environmental effects without an EIS. The company can now apply for permits.