Walker: Mine site work should start soon [View all]

[hue]

http://www.leadertelegram.com/news/front_page/article_64c638f4-8d31-11e2-ad41-0019bb2963f4.html



CHIPPEWA FALLS — Site work at the proposed $1.5 billion Gogebic open-pit iron ore mine in far northern Wisconsin should begin soon, despite expected legal challenges to the project, Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday in Chippewa Falls.

Walker commented on the controversial project while attending a ceremony celebrating a $17 million expansion at the Premium Waters bottling company. He signed the controversial mining bill Monday after it was approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature.

The mine would be on scenic property in the Penokee Range in Iron and Ashland counties, and is expected to face legal challenges from the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, whose reservation is near the miles-long mine site. Tribal leaders fear runoff from the mine will pollute the Bad River that flows north through the reservation to Lake Superior.

Walker said he anticipates work at the site, such as soil testing and preparation for digging a mine, will begin soon, regardless of legal challenges. Mining would not be allowed for now.

"I think (mining-related companies) would like to get going as quickly as possible," Walker said. "Even with the threat of legal action, I don't think you'll see a slowdown of the process."
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