Marlene -- Minnesota's Iron Range has been a core of economic development for the northern half of the state since the early 1900s.  When iron ore deposits began to play out in the 1950s and 1960s, the industry shifted to taconite processing in order to keep the mines economically feasible.

Now, these new discoveries and deposits could competely turn things around for the region.  I'm sure everyone is anxious to realize the economic benefits.  But strip mining is invasive and does considerable damage to the landscape.  Nickel and cobalt mining involves a lot of toxic components and by-products.  I hope there's a way to mitigate the problems so this can go forward.

Jeff & Roberta -- Minnesota is still pretty proactive when it comes to environmental issues.  Several decades ago, Federal Judge Miles Lord took on Reserve Mining Company for dumping taconite tailings in Lake Superior.  I don't see the State rolling over for the mining companies just to give the economy a boost. 

James, thank you for visiting and making comment!  I hope there's a way for the project to succeed and bring benefits to the area.

Have you considered joining Active Rain?  Email me at Eric@WayzataLakesRealty and I'll be glad to fill you in on the benefits and details.

Ruthmarie -- It's not going to happen with the present Washington crowd in power.  In the past eight years, these folks have worked hard to take the teeth out of major Federal environmental legislation.  So it's largely up to individual states to police their own regulations.

You do see differences, state-by-state, in the enactment and enforcement of environmental laws.  Mining has generally always been a hazardous and dirty business.  At least in Minnesota, the state seems to bring more pressure on these companies to get it right in the first place.  You don't see a lot of Superfund sites on the Iron Range and companies have been forced to deal with hazards.