Duluth Metals signs $130M deal to study copper mining
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Ely-based Duluth Metals has signed a partnership with international copper mining company Antofagasta to help pave the way for an underground copper nickel project.
The deal comes with $130 million for a feasibility study. Duluth Metals President Henry Sandri called the finalized agreement an exciting step.
"It's taken a long time but we're very glad, and then Antofagasta is a very good partner, he said. "They've got an excellent world wide reputation, and we hope to bring a bunch of that into Minnesota as well."
A three-year study could be followed by an environmental impact statement and mining permits.
The company's underground mining plans are a concern to some who worry about acidic runoff that could pollute rivers flowing north into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.