Copperwood site manager provides update

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — A slideshow update on the Copperwood Project was provided last week to the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners.

Mike Foley, site manager for the project in Wakefield and Ironwood townships, provided the presentation at the board’s April 24 meeting.

The now fully permitted Copperwood Project — which is predicted to produce 300 construction jobs and 380 mining jobs — is under the umbrella of Highland Copper, a Canadian junior mining company.

“In the past, mining companies just kind of came and went,” said Foley. “It’s not done that way anymore.”

He talked about ways in which the Copperwood Project has addressed environmental concerns.

Some issues, such as stream diversion, were addressed last year with what Foley said included the element of “sinuosity,” or curving, which allows for healthier water movement.

In addition, hundreds of acres of wetlands are being addressed, including 750 acres south of Bessemer and Ironwood, “to be preserved in cooperation with Gogebic County Forestry and Parks Commission.”

Foley added that, on Bluff Creek, five old culverts will be replaced with a 500-foot concrete span that will facilitate better fish flow.

In relation to the Great Lakes, he said, “We’re not drawing any water from Lake Superior.”

Moreover, “rigorous water treatment and monitoring” is expected in general, said Foley.

The developing project is described as an “underground mine with modest surface footprint.” Envisioned as part of it is an “enclosed processing plant to mitigate light and noise.”

The estimated 11-year mine life is expected also to have a related economic impact by inspiring the creation of other jobs outside of the mine.

In addition, said Foley, “There’s a considerable tax revenue associated with it.”

While reminding that Highland recently was awarded a state grant of $50 million, Foley offered a “huge shout out to all the local people who assisted us.” He commended commissioner Joseph Bonovetz for his participation.

Per rules of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the $50 million state grant is contingent upon Highland raising $150 million in matching funds.

Foley said the state grant will help fund a variety of initiatives, including the ability to improve telecommunications in the region of the mine. He added that officials are still exploring possibilities in that regard.

“That would dramatically improve the public safety in that area of the county,” said commissioner James Lorenson, who chairs the board.

Foley said that, although Highland is a Canadian company, its officials have only two projects, “and they’re both here in Michigan.”

The other project is known as White Pine North, in which Highland has a 34% joint ventureship with Kinterra Capital Corporation of Toronto.

“We’re still very active at White Pine,” said Foley.

At that location, he said that baseline environmental studies are underway, and a feasibility study is on the horizon, after which the permitting process can proceed.

Once operational, that site is expected to have a 20-year mine life.

Foley was optimistic about the need for local mining in today’s world. “The demand for copper is rising,” he said.

Commissioners thanked Foley for his presentation.

“As we advance, we’ll certainly be glad to come back and give you another update,” he said.