Wisconsinites are deeply troubled by the prospect of the world’s largest open-pit iron ore mine opening in their backyards. The state has a proud history of environmental conservation that will be deeply tainted by the addition of a massive mine stretching four miles long and approximately half of a mile wide through Ashland and Iron Counties. At this time, the mine may be allowed to grow to 21 miles in length. The Gogebic Taconite mine would directly affect the freshwater ecosystem in the Penokee Hills and the communities in the area.
Gov. Scott Walker signed the legislation based on a promise of 700 jobs from GTac. However, the environmental costs and the effects on surrounding communities will drastically outweigh any benefits related to the mine. For a plan that is being sold to the public as an economic asset for the area, the citizens affected haven’t been given the opportunity to voice their concerns; the leeway GTac has been given removed a previously mandated public hearing. On top of that, GTac will also only pay taxes on profit and therefore is not responsible for how much ore is removed from the site. Should the mine negatively impact the surrounding communities, the citizens have no promise of reimbursement for the effects.
The mine is also hugely destructive environmentally. Professors from universities across Wisconsin have found evidence that mining at the proposed site will release harmful substances. The rock that would be removed to reach the iron has sulfides that, when exposed, will oxidize and create an acidic environment in the water. This acidic water would directly affect the land and the fish in the rivers and streams. GTac will not be held responsible for this byproduct or its effects. One of GTac’s sampling sites also had an asbestos-form mineral present. Mining this area would spread the extremely carcinogenic substance in the air we breathe.
Finally, the mine would directly affect the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Native American tribes have rights to this land, as clearly stated in federal treaties. The closest tribe lives just six miles from the site, but they have the right to hunt, fish and harvest in the surrounding area. The local tribes worry that the relatively short-term venture will negatively impact their descendants past the 35 years the mine would be in operation.
It is clear that the GTac mine in northern Wisconsin benefits business while overlooking the best interest of the citizenry. GTac’s ability to donate $15 million to Republicans in Wisconsin displays yet again that money is power in government. No other project in the state has been given as much latitude with as little basis in science or as little regard for the surrounding communities. Fortunately, GTac is not yet free to begin mining. The company filed an incomplete sampling application with the Wisconsin DNR and Native American tribes are seeking assistance from the federal government to stop the project. Big Business has the loudest voice in Wisconsin’s government, and we all pay the price.
