State Waterways Subject of Controversy and Concern February 2016 Minnesota industry is responding to the economic downturn for the mining industry from global oversupply by turning to sulfide mining, a controversial topic with thousands weighing in as either concerned critics or dedicated allies. Sulfide mining raises concerns with critics for the potential environmental impact of drainage from acidic rock to local water supplies and with state watersheds and wetlands neighboring proposed sulfide mining locations many are closely examining the touted benefits of bringing sulfide mining to Minnesota’s Iron Range. Many of those opposing the push for sulfide mining don’t believe in the added economic benefit of mining for copper or nickel in a time of global oversupply and under‐demand. In a statement to Truthout environmental sociologist at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, Al Gedicks said, “[t]here is no demand for either copper or nickel or any of the other metals that would be extracted from the [Minnesota] deposit.” However, Mining Minnesota, a group “committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible mining … to bring growth and job creation to the state through responsible development of natural resources,” supports the proposed sulfide mines. Their support is based on claims of environmental responsibility in mining techniques and scientific advancements in the understanding of acid rock drainage, as well as the strict environmental review and permitting procedures in place in Minnesota.
The controversy over the environmental sustainability and potential health hazards to local watersheds, wetlands, and human populations is bound to be a long and difficult task.