The Department of Natural Resources held a public informational hearing August 15, 2013 on the proposed bulk sampling activity and the pre-application notice to mine at Gogebic Taconite’s potential mining project near Mellen, Wisconsin. During the public informational hearing, individuals provided oral or written comments and learned about the proposed bulk sampling activity and the pre-application description of the potential mine project.

Before the public comment portion of the hearing began, the DNR presented information on the mine, stressing that it was not yet a sure thing. DNR outlined the application process and explained how the bulk sampling application fits into the full process, which the DNR says will take at least 2 years.

Members of the public may still submit written comments on the proposed bulk sampling activity or the preapplication description of the potential mining project. The DNR will review all comments that are received on or before Sept. 3, 2013. Comments may be submitted via mail to Larry Lynch, DNR, 101 S. Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, or by e-mail to: DNRWAMINING-GOGEBICTACONITE@Wisconsin.gov.

Additional Information
Information submitted to the agency by Gogebic Taconite, including the proposed bulk sample plan and preapplication description, is available on the Gogebic mining project page of the DNR website. People can sign up to receive email updates on the project through that page by clicking on the link for “subscribe to Gogebic Taconite project email updates.”

Gogebic Taconite’s project materials are also available at the Hurley Public Library, 405 5th Ave. N., Hurley, 715-561-5707; and at the Vaughn Public Library, 502 West Main St., Ashland, 715-682-7060.