The Wisconsin State Assembly is scheduled to vote on legislation that would streamline the state's iron ore mining permitting process on order to help Gogebic Taconite open an iron ore mine in the Penokee Hills south of Lake Superior.
The Assembly Jobs Committee made a number of changes to the bill Tuesday, including raising a cap on permitting fees from USD 1.1 million to USD 2 million, increasing the percentage of mining tax revenues local government can retain, and sharing mining project applications with Native American tribes with land located within 20 miles of the mine site.
The bill would require Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources to approve an iron mining application within a year. It also would split revenue from a state tax on iron ore sales between local government and the state general fund 60:40, instead of the originally suggested 50:50 split.
During the committee hearing, Representative Mr Louis Molepske expressed concern about the USD 2 million application fee cap, asserting that the Gogebic Taconite mine project is so large, it would cost Wisconsin's DNR more than USD 2 million to properly review the project. Environmentalists fear the project would pollute one of Wisconsin's most pristine watersheds.
The legislation also calls for only one public hearing on the project, and would prohibit anyone who isn't directly injured by a mining operation from suing over mining law violations. While Native American tribes would be notified about the project and receive a copy of the project application, they would not be permitted to have a seat at the table in the project review process.
Gogebic Taconite wants to develop a USD 1.5 billion mine near Hurley in northern Wisconsin. It would employ 600 to 700 workers in a two county region desperate for employment. Gogebic Taconite managers say the operation could generate up to 2,000 ancillary jobs in the region's transportation and service industry. The mine would also open Wisconsin's Iron Range to mining, which would impact Milwaukee, which manufactures mining shovels.
The mining company has put its plans on hold, insisting state lawmakers guarantee a defined end to the its complex permitting process before they proceed further with the project.
The Assembly committee voted 9:5 along party lines with Republicans voting to send the bill to the full Assembly for a vote scheduled during Thursday's floor session. If the Assembly approves the measure, it goes to the Senate, where it is expected to encounter more opposition from lawmakers.
(Sourced from www.mineweb.com)
