Sulfide Mining - Acid Mine Drainage
Mining Without Harm
Sierra Club volunteers have been active in Minnesota mining issues since the founding of the North Star Chapter in 1968. The Reserve Mining water quality lawsuit (asbestos-like fibers in Duluth's drinking water), copper-nickel mining, and taconite plants became issues.
Recently Club volunteers in northern Minnesota have been watching the media reports on new proposals for major mining projects. Reports are dominated by a threat for companies to begin sulfide mining (from which copper, nickel, and other metals are extracted*), a toxic type of mining never done in Minnesota before. It is far more dangerous to the environment than taconite mining. Numerous projects now threaten the region, and are driven by higher metal prices that make the investment more attractive from a business perspective.
Learn more about sulfide mining and how you can help by watching this QuickTime video of Club volunteer Clyde Hanson speaking at the Living Green Expo, February 4, 2006. This is our first video on the web, so please watch it and let us know how you like it and what else you'd like to see.
Mine Site Visits
Mining Without Harm in the media
About Metallic Sulfide Mining Projects in Minnesota
- Polymet (NorthMet Mine)
- Sierra Club Asks
PolyMet Mining to Correct Public Statements
Environmental risks underplayed and promoted start-up date of mine ignores hold by State of Minnesota on draft Environmental Impact Statement publication date.
- Sierra Club Asks
PolyMet Mining to Correct Public Statements
- Franconia Minerals (Birch Lake)
In the Community
About the Mining without Harm campaign
Where the Sierra Club Stands: Let's ask for proof, not promises from promoters of metallic sulfide mining in Minnesota's northwoods
A kind of mining new to Minnesota has significant long-term risks of pollution and economic instability. This industry has a poor track record of stewardship and integrity. But solutions such as requiring proof it has been done without harm in a similar climate; protecting pristine natural areas from disturbance; not mining where perpetual treatment of drainage pollution is required; and demanding secure and significant financial assurance for reclamation can help keep our waters clean for future generations.
- Read the complete position paper: Let's ask for proof, not promises from promoters of metallic sulfide mining in Minnesota's northwoods (html), or download the pdf version