Duluth News Tribune
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I like to say Minnesota is three things: timber, taconite, and tourism. To say we are pro-mining is quite an understatement. The mining industry is critical not only to the economic sustainability of the region but to the prosperity of the hard-working men, women and families who depend on its jobs. The development and exploration of the critical and strategic mineral sector has the potential to build a new, vibrant industry in Minnesota. Truth be told, the industry is integral to our economic well-being.

But despite our rich iron-mining history and mineral potential, Minnesota is ranked by the industry as one of the most difficult places for mining development due largely to our lengthy and expensive permitting process and exacting environmental standards. Chrissy Bartovich, environmental director for U.S. Steel’s Minnesota ore operations, which includes the Minntac mine in Mountain Iron, said we have “the most stringent water quality discharge permits for any taconite mine in the United States,” for example. “These permits are not a choice between jobs and the environment,” she said. “These permits show that the two can coexist.”

It goes without saying that Minnesotans are environmentally conscious. That is why there are strict guidelines that must be followed in order to undertake large projects like the proposed PolyMet mine. Protection of the environment and fisheries are being ensured by a thorough environmental review and permitting process. Thankfully, today’s mining process is environmentally responsible, precise, and thoughtful with an eye toward preserving environmental quality for generations to come.

There is consensus among the PolyMet advisory panel I assembled: Mining without harm is the only way to build a sustainable, responsible minerals-exploration industry in northern Minnesota.

The PolyMet construction project will engage about 300 skilled construction workers and create 360 full-time jobs. A University of Minnesota Duluth study estimates more than 500 more 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.

We are working hard to preserve our clean air and water on other projects as well. Recently, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizens Board unanimously approved Keetac’s water-quality permits. Once all the other permits are secured, Keetac’s capacity can increase by more than 50 percent to 9.6 million tons of iron ore pellets per year.

Likewise, we have moved a step closer to success with the $300 million expansion of the Keetac mine and processing plant in Keewatin. The Keetac expansion is expected to create 120 permanent jobs and 500 temporary construction jobs for Minnesota.

The approval of the PolyMet and Keetac operations would result in direct and much-needed boosts to our economy, yielding a domestic resource of raw materials. Ultimately, this would lower the United States’ reliance on foreign sources and provide well-paying jobs for Minnesota workers at a time of high unemployment.

Bob McFarlin, vice president of public and government affairs for Twin Metals, said copper mining will create the kinds jobs that provide a good life, the kind “that let you send your kids to college.” As a down payment on that promise, Twin Metals built a beautiful, $1.5 million, glass, steel and copper office building in Ely.

Similarly, Essar Steel estimates its expansion will lead to job growth. Just two weeks ago, I met with the folks at the Hibbing facility, where I was told the company was poised to create 1,200 construction jobs, 300 jobs for normal operation, and approximately 500 full-time positions, if the expansion into steelmaking proves economically feasible. Importantly, expanding our mining operations will yield tax revenues for the region, providing a revenue stream for much-needed upgrades to infrastructure.

It is imperative we utilize our resources in the most environmentally conscious way possible, and we are doing just that: Best-mining practices will be deployed for operations in Minnesota, using the cleanest processing technology in the world. We are well on our way toward job creation and a super-charged industry for Minnesota workers and their families.