The MPCA is hosting an in-person public informational meeting about a proposed mining operation in Coleraine. MagIron, LLC is the new owner of the former Prairie River Minerals Demonstration Plant, the former Mag Mining LLC Plant 4, and Jessie Loadout. The combined three sites are known as MagIron Plant 4. The proposed scram mining operation will produce high-grade iron ore from low-grade legacy waste rock stockpiles. The material is intended to be crushed and processed using dense medium separation technology.
To protect the environment and health of Minnesotans, the MPCA is charged with regulating pollution by writing air permits to comply with national air quality standards. The main pollutants of concern across all three sites are particulate matter. MagIron will use strategies to reduce emissions from its paved and unpaved roads along with the long-term material storage areas, stockpiles, and exposed mining areas. A 30-day public comment period on this project began August 12.