PolyMet Project Will Be Model For Others
Mesabi Daily News - 06/03/2012
COMMENTARY by U.S. REP. CHIP CRAVAACK
WASHINGTON — In Minnesota’s Eighth District, we are pro-jobs and
pro-mining. Fortunately for us, the two go hand in hand. In fact, according to a University of Minnesota-Duluth study, 2.5 ancillary jobs are produced for every mining job. These are wellpaying jobs that we can’t afford to miss.
While keeping jobs in mind, we will not forget about the environment. I’ve worked closely with the PolyMet advisory
panel I assembled, which consists of state and federal offi cials, and we believe that mining without harm is the only way
to build a sustainable and responsible minerals exploration industry in northern Minnesota.
The long-term success of PolyMet’s NorthMet project, for example,
depends on completing a thorough environmental review. As part of this review process, PolyMet will release an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) that demonstrates compliance with all state
and federal standards.
Although cumbersome, this environmental review is an important
safeguard in the development and exploration in Minnesota’s critical and strategic mineral sector. All in all, this process is
geared to be environmentally responsible, precise, and thoughtful. You can rest assured that only the cleanest processing technology in the world and the best mining practices
will be used for operations in Minnesota.
Speaking of compliance, PolyMet initiated an environmental review
of its proposed NorthMet copper and nickel mine back in 2005. Since this time, approximately $40 million has been invested
to ensure the accuracy of the EIS. And although new, more precise modeling in development will cause delay, we are on the right track. Such setbacks are frustrating, but this process will
ensure environmentally sound precious metals mining on Minnesota’s
Iron Range.
The approval of the PolyMet operation would result in a direct and
much needed boost to our economy, and it would yield a new domestic resource of raw materials. Ultimately, this would lower the United States’ reliance on foreign sources and provide wellpaying jobs for Minnesota workers at a time of high unemployment.
Specifically, the Poly-Met construction project will engage
approximately 300 skilled construction workers and create 360 fulltime jobs. A University of Minnesota-Duluth study estimates more than 500 ancillary jobs will be created in St. Louis
County alone, generating an economic benefit of about $242 million, including products and services. Additionally, the project is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars annually in federal, state, and local taxes.
Recently, PolyMet reported continued progress with the NorthMet
project. PolyMet has been working with the DNR, Forest Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers to complete its complex set of environmental models, which will be used to ensure that the
project will meet all state and federal environmental standards.
Just last week, in continued commitment to sustaining a responsible mining industry, the Forest Service announced it
was backing 29 new mining exploration permits on national forest lands. This decision, which came after extensive environmental
review, will allow companies to prospect certain land for its mining benefit. Importantly, no mining will occur before additional review, which will be held to the highest standard.
While Minnesotans and all Americans search for breathing room
in our nearly stagnant economy, and while tens of millions of dollars and countless hours of work have been invested in
the PolyMet project, it is crucial that the DNR and lead agencies do all they can to expedite the new modeling processes toward the publication of an EIS.
The Iron Range andnorthern Minnesota is one of America’s most
abundant natural resources, and we need to keep it that way. The
PolyMet project will serve as a model of precise environmental review for other emerging projects, including the Twin Metals project. These operations will produce valuable precious minerals
with practical applications, such as copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum, and gold.
Using the cleanest methods possible, Minnesota’s Eighth
District will realize the PolyMet project to the benefit of its workers, as well as a protected and preserved natural landscape
for future generations to come.
Chip Cravaack is the Republican congressman from the 8th District.
