Questions & Answers

What is MiningMinnesota?
MiningMinnesota is a campaign geared to inform Minnesotans about critical and strategic metals mining and specific efforts for such mining in the state. Driven by a diverse coalition of organizations, companies and individuals committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible critical and strategic metals mining development, MiningMinnesota works with local citizens, businesses and other organizations to bring growth and job creation to the state through responsible development of natural resources.

What is non-ferrous mining?
The term “non-ferrous” refers to any mineral or natural material that does not contain iron. Non-ferrous mining typically refers to “critical and strategic metals” metals, which include copper, nickel, cobalt and precious metals including platinum, palladium, gold and silver.

What is a sulfide?
A sulfide is any compound or mineral in which a metallic ion is bonded with sulphur ions. Sulfide deposits can contain copper, nickel and precious metals.

Has critical and strategic metals mining been done in Minnesota previously?
Not on a large scale. Though initially discovered and explored decades ago, the saleable products could not be produced due largely to lack of a viable processing technology to treat these minerals economically and effectively.

Why do this type of mining in Minnesota?
The state of Minnesota estimates that the more than 4 billion tons of untapped mineral resources located in the state are perhaps the largest deposits of base and precious metals in the United States.

Where will this mining be done?
Primarily in the northeastern part of Minnesota, within a minerals-rich area called the Duluth Complex adjacent to the Mesabi Iron Range.

How will critical and strategic metals mining drive economic development?
Critical and strategic metals, modern mining offers significant, sustainable economic opportunities for Minnesota communities, such as:

Can this type of mining be done without harm to the environment?
Yes. Today’s mining operations use the latest technology to minimize disturbance and reclaim the land following operations. New, innovative mining practices help ensure that both extraction and processing pose minimal risk to people and the environment. These include:

How are these projects regulated and monitored?
Minnesota has long been a national leader in developing strict, yet sensible, regulatory processes for the development of its natural resources. The members of MiningMinnesota fully support these regulations and are working closely with several government agencies in Minnesota, including the Department of Natural Resources and the Pollution Control Agency.