Mining

Issue

Should the state pursue additional environmental regulations for the mining industry?

Policy

• The Minnesota Chamber believes the existing regulatory process protects the environment and allows several opportunities for public participation. Additional restrictions on mining are not necessary for safe environmental operations and could threaten the opportunity for the state to realize the benefits from mining.

• The Chamber opposes additional mandates that discourage investment in mining in Minnesota.

Business Impact

Minnesota’s mining industry has operated for more than 100 years. It has a proven, responsible relationship with state regulators, has worked diligently to protect the environment and continues its investment in environmental improvements. Mining provides thousands of high-paying jobs and nearly $2 billion in direct economic benefit to Minnesota each year in wages and benefits, purchases and capital improvements, and taxes and royalties.

The current industry consists of six producing iron ore mines and plants and hundreds of supplier and vendor companies across Minnesota that make up this multibillion-dollar statewide industry, which is vital to our state and local economies.

In addition, Essar, a $1.6 billion integrated iron ore processing and steelmaking plant, received all required permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and PolyMet, a nonferrous mining project, is undergoing environmental review via an Environmental Impact Statement. When operational, in addition to thousands of construction jobs, these companies will provide hundreds of additional permanent, excellent paying jobs and sustain the economic viability of several communities that have struggled with job loss through the decades.

World-class processing technologies for economically viable new metal and value-added operations will allow commercial operation to take place in Minnesota without threatening our way of life. In addition to Essar and PolyMet, several new mining projects are being explored, increasing the potential positive economic impact of this sector.

Use of all minerals per capita in the United States continues to increase. Providing the products demanded by the marketplace from operations in Minnesota, with our current regulatory safeguards, benefits both Minnesota and the global environment. Local mineral exploration and mining also protect the nation’s security interests, which are dependent upon these vital minerals.