Brownfield Development

PolyMet’s re-use of the idled former LTV processing plant is an excellent example of environmentally appropriate brownfield development that will “recycle” existing mining infrastructure. Other, similar use of brownfield areas is possible in connection with other Minnesota mineral developments.

The Environmental Protection Agency defines a “brownfield” as “a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” It is estimated that there are more than 450,000 brownfields in the U.S. today. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases; facilitates job growth; utilizes existing infrastructure; takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land; and improves and protects the environment.