Here's a summary of the primary mining projects and activities in Minnesota where the MPCA has an interest and a role in permitting and compliance.
Mesabi Metallics
Mesabi Metallics Co. LLC is currently constructing a taconite mine and taconite pellet production facility on the site of the former Butler Taconite Mining Company facility near Nashwauk, Minnesota.
MinnTac Taconite
The most recent permitting effort for the Minntac tailings basin focused on specific steps to reduce the pollutant levels of the water within the tailings basin, resulting in a reduced concentration of pollutants in the seepage leaving the tailings basin.
Northshore Mining
Northshore Mining Company is proposing a project to relocate the West Ridge railroad at the Milepost 7 Tailings Basin, including the construction of a new embankment that will ultimately become part of the dam defining the final footprint of the tailings basin.
PolyMet NorthMet project
Poly Met Mining, Inc. (PolyMet) is proposing to develop a mine and processing plant to extract copper, nickel, and precious metals from the NorthMet Deposit in northeastern Minnesota.
Prairie River Minerals
Prairie River Minerals is proposing to construct and operate a demonstration-scale scram mining and processing facility near Coleraine, Minnesota.