Digging for Death

Kennecott Minerals Company's recent preparations to start mining sulfide rock in Northern Marquette County has the interest of people spread throughout the entire United States, as historical sulfide mines are now issues of environmental concern. The issue at stake is one that will significantly affect the outcome of the future in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Questions need to be asked, such as, "What truly constitutes the best long-term decision for treatment of land? What consequences do we face when we mine sulfide rock?"

Polluting sulfide mines from as far back as 476 A.D., when the Romans mined in Europe, are still sources of environmental hazards today. These ancient mines, from times long past, continuously seep a substance similar to battery acid, known as Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) into the soil and water of modern Europe. This is a consequence of mining and exposing sulfide rock-if contact occurs with air and water, it is a natural pollutant. In the United States, abandoned mines dating as early as the 19th century continue to pollute as well.

Yet the technology used in historical times has been significantly improved. Given the knowledge provided by the last few decades of study, prevention and treatment can be done safely. The ideal successful sulfide mine comes with the stipulation of an ideal environmental setup, such as deep, strong moving waters and the abundance of minerals such as limestone. In addition, the success of the mines rely on human cooperation of all safety measures, use of the most advanced technology available, and an indefinite amount of maintenance patrol, long after the mine is shut down.

From the perspective of environmental success with sulfide mining in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the implications of pollution are quite high. The area to be mined does not possess an ideal environmental layout. In contrast, Kennecott owns Flambeau Mine in Rusk City, Wisconsin, which is located less than 150 feet from the Flambeau River, and is an open pit copper mine. The river is large, and the trickle of pollution from the sealed waste rock pit is small. Therefore, the environment is capable of dispersing the waste into less-than-harmful quantities and pushing it downriver. The mine is touted as a stellar example of a successful sulfide mining operation because it is considered to be only mildly polluting.

The process of rendering sulfuric acid somewhat harmless is not easily duplicated, and is not likely what will happen to Yellow Dog Plains in Northern Marquette County, where Kennecott owns 1,640 acres. The southern portion of the expected underground mine would be under the Salmon Trout River and located at the head of many rivers which do not have the size or flow of the Flambeau River to dilute acidic waste properly. With the nearby Iron River as a guide to the history of Upper Peninsula pollution, the future of the environment and community surrounding a sulfide mine seems detrimental.

In 1973, all of the aquatic life in a seven-mile stretch of Iron River died as a result of ARD, and adjoining Brule River suffered a ten-mile stretch of similar damage. The Dober Mine Complex, as it was called, was an underground and open pit mine, similar to the one proposed by Kennecott. Iron Mountain's watershed is also polluted by a Buck Mine, which contaminates with acidic wastewater as well. Interestingly, most of the mines located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula dig for oxide ores, which do not produce acid when exposed to air and water. The area has the potential to continue mining of this sort, but it is not a sustainable business. Neither is sulfide mining. Socio-economic reports of areas where mining has taken place show troubling numbers. From an economical standpoint, the community neighboring a mine is twice as likely to suffer negative financial repercussions. We need only to look at Iron River and Iron Mountain as examples of mining communities, and its contribution to their socio-economic development, which is lagging behind the rest of the state.

Another consideration for environmental safety is compliance in mining operations by human beings. The Kennecott Minerals Company in 2003 was operating two of the top five most polluting mines within the United States. It does not possess the best track record, but Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act does make provision for extensive baseline studies before mining-something which has become a norm in the last decade.

"Responsible companies understand that they have to have good baseline studies," said state geologist Hal Fitch in The Mining Journal's June 12th edition, which was published this year. "They don't want to get into trouble later. If they anticipate first and design to prevent problems, the project will be more economical and environmental. There are a lot more public scruples now compared to then."

What makes sulfide mining a doubtful long-term economic plan lies in the amount of ARD that can result from a mining operation. The principal reason why so many mines pollute for so many years is the difficult process of waste removal. Most mines keep the waste rock that results from the mining on site. In the case of sulfide, most of this unearthed rock can become ARD. This not only contaminates the water and soil but also attracts heavy metals, which cause risks for humans and animals. Lead poisoning is one such risk, as is mercury and arsenic. What was once a thriving town, in such pollution, could quickly become a deathbed. For example, in November of 1995, one copper mine in Montana was found to contain over 300 dead geese, all poisoned by toxic levels of metal.

The rock formations that create some of the wild, rugged beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, left alone, pose no threat. In order for poison to be created, the ores must be dug up. They are then crushed for mining extraction of various components, and this risks exposure to oxygen and water. Disposal of the waste rock is essential, and usually is done by concrete capping. Modern mines, such as the one near the Flambeau River, must be monitored for decades. Flambeau Mine still has another 40 years worth of pollution checkups ahead.

Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act added Part 632 in 2004, long after the shutdown of the mines now polluting Iron River. It is the first law which addresses the issues involved with sulfide mining, such as financial compensation in the case of negative environmental effects like ARD. Yet the laws protecting the towns affected by sulfide mining, like those in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, will only work if enforced. As in so many cases of corporate deals, the people must ensure they protect themselves. Fortunately, community interest groups continue to actively participate in the future of Michigan's Upper Peninsula mining.

To volunteer assistance, or for more information, reach the National Wildlife Foundation at www.nwf.org/greatlakes; or contact representative of "Save The Wild UP" and "The Eagle Alliance." The groups are there to represent the interests of the area in protecting Michigan's remote wilderness.

Written By Faye Spinniken

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