Precious Metals Mining - There is a better way

My husband and I attended the Save the Boundary Waters presentation on sulfide mining at Vermilion Community College. It was a nice slide presentation of the layout of the area, depicting the Boundary Waters, what makes it special, the watershed, the mineral deposits, the aquatic and forest ecology, etc. Many of us who support the proposed copper/nickel mining projects have heard similar presentation several times before by Becky Rom and her friends.

What was different this time, before a group of about 100 people, was that the question period was literally shut down by Rom at 7:30 after two questions. Was she intimidated by the dozen or so supporters of mining projects and what questions they would ask? I talked to Dave Marshall who schedules events at Vermilion and he said the theater was booked until 9:30.

Bill Erzar asked about the sulfide content of the ore body of Twin Metals. Rom said she didn’t know the number, yet she knew the copper content is 5%. Erzar asked isn’t the sulfide content an important number to know. Rom said it was in their reports.

The next question was asked by Warren Johnson about misleading people by saying all the ground moved would have sulfide content. This is when Brad Sagen stepped in to explain that all the waste rock would not have sulfide content, and he ran out the clock for questions.

Rom pulled a Hillary: Avoid further questioning, and shut down the show.

Questionable statements made in the presentation included: “Sulfide mining has never been done without harm to the environment.... Sulfide mining is always toxic.... All our trees will be black spruce with mining.”

Well, with research and cut and pasting from various websites, here is some information on safe sulfide mining that is being done around the United States. I believe Minnesota can mine just as safely, if not more safely.

The Henderson Mine and Mill near Denver, Colorado. A molybdenum sulfide mine and mill have maintained a spotless environmental compliance record since 1976. Denver residents regularly use areas adjacent to the mine and mill sites for fishing, camping, picnicking, hunting, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling. Treated wastewater from the operation supports a thriving population of Boreal toads. Streams downstream from both the mine and mill facilities are excellent brown and brook trout fisheries. Both the mine and the mill are located in Denver’s watershed.

The Viburnum Mine No. 27 is developed in geology similar to that found in southwestern Wisconsin’s lead-zinc mining district, the water from this lead-zinc sulfide mine, which operated from 1960 to 1978, is so clean it has served as the primary domestic water source for the town of Viburnum, Missouri since 1981.

The McLaughlin Mine is a gold mine acknowledged by regulators, environmentalists and the mining industry to be a model of effective environmental practice. Since its development in 1985, the mine has operated without environmental harm, and has not only protected but actually enhanced the quality of both on-site and downstream habitats and improved downstream water quality. Ultimately the entire mine site and attached buffer lands of thousands of acres will become a wildlife preserve and an environmental studies field research station for the University of California.

The Cannon Mine is a gold mine that was developed in 1985, one block south of the Wenatchee, Washington, city limits. This agricultural community of approximately 40,000, is known as “the apple capital of the world.” The Cannon Mine is a model of environmentally responsible mining in an established urban environment. The mine, which operated for nine years, is now in the final stages of reclamation and nearly all traces of this once bustling underground mining and milling project are gone. All of the millsite buildings have been removed, the area regraded and replanted; the mine portal has been plugged; and the tailings management area has been reclaimed and planted with natural grasses.

The local school district has converted the mine buildings into offices and an equipment maintenance facility. As quoted in a July 2, 1996 article entitled “A Promise Kept - Mine Tailings Cleaned Up” in the Wenatchee World, a local official states that the mine has done a good job living up to its promises - “The scale of the (reclamation) work is just amazing. It’s been a good project.”
Southwestern Wisconsin Historic Lead-Zinc District - At least a dozen historic (i.e., closed) mines in the lead-zinc district southwestern Wisconsin and adjacent parts of Iowa and Illinois meet the arbitrary operating and closure criteria.
Mining in this district began as early as 1825, long before the enactment of federal and Wisconsin environmental laws and regulations. Mining in the district continued, with the last zinc mine closing in the late 1970s.

Most of the mines in southwestern Wisconsin were abandoned without formal reclamation; many were simply plowed under and today remain as nearly indiscernible features in the rolling farmlands characteristic of this part of Wisconsin. Although a few isolated and localized water quality problems are known at several mines in the district, there are literally hundreds of historic mines that do not create surface water or groundwater pollution problems.

The ore bodies in this district contain abundant acid-generating iron sulfide minerals (pyrite and marcasite). However, ARD is not a problem in this district due to the high acid neutralization capacity of the carbonate host rocks. A number of communities in the area including Platteville and Dodgeville, Wisconsin; Dubuque, Iowa; and Galena, Illinois and are built on top of and adjacent to these historic mines.

The Flambeau Mine is located in northern Wisconsin, partially within the city limits of Ladysmith and immediately adjacent to the Flambeau River. The open-pit, copper-gold mine began operations in July 1991. Ore shipments from the site began in 1993 and continued for more than four years. Backfilling of the pit took about 1.5 years and reclamation activities at the site were completed by the end of 1999.

Storm water runoff from sulfide waste material and the operating open pit, along with groundwater infiltration into the pit, are treated in a state-of-the-art water treatment facility that produces mine discharge water which has proven safe at 100 percent concentration (i.e., without dilution) for the most sensitive aquatic life and meets state drinking water safety standards. Examinations of fish, crayfish, macro-invertebrates and dragonfly; sediment sampling; and habitat characterization both above and below the mine discharge point prove the mine water has not adversely affected river life. Yes, water monitoring will continue for many years.

City officials credit the mine with creating an economic miracle for the local community of 4,000 people. Tax revenue from the mine stimulated an economic development boom in Rusk County where the unemployment rate fell from 15.3% just prior to the mine opening to 4.0% in October 1996. The Flambeau Mine is one of Rusk County’s top tourist attractions, with over 30,000 people per year visiting the mine’s information center.
How about that! The Flambeau Mine is a tourist attraction!

Closer to home, we have Dunka Pit. The Minnesota DNR has learned from a taconite mine called the Dunka pit. Sulfite rock exposed there in the 1960s was leeching metals into a nearby creek. The state compelled the mining company to build wetlands that now largely absorb the metals. The site has been monitored since 1977 and monitoring will continue.

DNR mining researcher Paul Eger said you can’t just walk away from a closed sulfide mine. “We’ve learned a lot,” Eger said. “New mines can operate with much less maintenance and much less unexpected water quality issues.”

Jim Kuipers, an expert in hard-rock metals mining, said sulfide mining can be done well, with the best chance in a state with mining history like Minnesota. “If we can encourage good mining companies, with good solid deposits to do the right thing, we might actually make some advance in terms of environmental protection, and things like that,” says Kuipers.

Dissolved oxygen tests in Dunka River are very high. That means it is very healthy. That also means the lake is NOT polluted. Some really nice fish coming out of Birch Lake.

Lastly, I want to mention Stillwater Mine. It is in southern Montana in the magnificent Beartooth Mountains on the northern edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, about 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. This platinum-palladium sulfide mine is an excellent example of environmentally responsible mining in an extremely beautiful and sensitive environment.

Operating since 1987, the Stillwater Mine has maintained a clean environmental record. This underground mine is recognized by regulators, environmental groups and industry experts for its excellent concurrent reclamation activities, wildlife enhancement projects, community support programs and responsive environmental management.

In addition to its scenic attributes, the area around the mine is also recognized for its recreational opportunities - the mine is adjacent to the Stillwater River, a Montana Blue Ribbon Trout Fishery. Stillwater Mine is in the process of expanding its mine operation a mile east of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area on the Custer National Forest in known bear habitat.

In 2000, Stillwater Mining Company and three local environmental groups signed a historic, legally binding agreement called the Good Neighbor Agreement to iron out differences transparently. Applying rigorous environmental practices to the mine’s operations will protect two important Montana watersheds.

In the past ten years, Stillwater Mine has been chosen to receive the Bureau of Land Management’s Sustainable Mining Award twice. Stillwater Mine was nominated by the Boulder River Watershed Association. The recent award is for community outreach and recognizes the economic benefits of mineral development along with contributions to the health and quality of life in local communities.

As president of Conservationists with Common Sense – CWCS, I plan to ask our board to recommend a similar agreement with Twin Metals and PolyMet. Will other environmental groups come to the table and be a partner in such an agreement?

Nancy McReady
Ely

Letter To The Editor: Joe Baltich discussing the BWCA,economy, tourism and mining.

Somebody from the Twin Cities wanted me to sign a petition banning sulfide mining. I couldn't help myself. These tourists need to know the other side of the story:

Geez, Dan. The whole town of Ely is economically collapsing. Last year (2012) 156 people were in the obituary and the New Year's Baby was born on Feb. 10. Resort bookings for May and June were substantially off and I'm pretty sure they will be down for July and August. The anecdotal estimate is that Ely business is OFF by about 25 - 30%. Boundary Waters Canoe Area use is in fairly steep decline. I should know, I've been an outfitter and resorter for my entire life in Ely. The parking lots at the entry points were rarely full, most seeing 25% occupancy for the majority of summer.

   As America ages, nobody wants to come and sleep on a rock only to be restricted to paddling a canoe. They want to jump in a boat/snomobile and go fishing without having the government breathing down their necks requiring permits, allowing dog sleds but not motors, no cans or bottles but 2 liter plastic bottles are OK. However, burning plastic is illegal. It is illegal to leave the BWCA to go shopping in Ely because it voids one's permit. These are only a smattering of the rules that the vast majority of twin cities tourists can't even get right so they laughably remain in constant violation of the laws they support so strongly. When they come from out of state, it's even harder to get them to comply.

    So, Ely is slipping. Everything is for sale and nobody's buying. A liquor store that was successful since the early 70's has been up for sale for 5 years now. Nobody is even looking at the building. Another liquor store has the same story. A restaurant has been sitting empty for years on end, rotting, because no one will buy it. Back when the mines where humming along in the 60's and 70's it, too, was a successful business.

    The first decline for Ely began in 1964 when the government closed 17 resorts under eminent domain. The mines were still running at full speed then so it was harder to notice. When the so-called "wilderness goldmine" came to be (final, most restrictive phase of the Boundary Waters law PL 95-495 in 1978), we began to witness the second decline as several resorts sold out again in a government buyout and closed their doors for good in the early 80's. With the introduction of the internet and electronic "toys" in the 90's, we began to see business drop off again. Then the economy began to really falter in the mid to late 2000's and we've lost an entire generation of young kids being brought to the woods to enjoy the outdoors. Their young parents were products of the internet and shopping malls. They didn't have the interest or the money to go and be uncomfortable in the Boundary Waters by Ely. Plus, with very aggressive advertising for the Disneylands and pampered cruises of the world to the well-connected online, we've lost some more ground. Some families simply can't afford anything and grow up like I did in Ely - rarely taking a vacation, ever.

   Now, those of us remaining in Ely today are experiencing a graduating class of 45 kids when in 1979 it was 159. Those kids aren't sticking around. The median user age in the BWCA is 55. In another 5 years, where do you think that's going to be? How long will it be (realistically) before our out-of-shape 60-year-olds decide that going to Florida and sitting on the beach is more enjoyable than schlepping a wet #4 pack and a canoe over a portage? I've heard it many times by many of our idealistic tourists that they "plan" to be paddling the BWCA until they die. Right... We all know precisely how accurate that prediction almost always winds up to be in reality. People get old, they get injured, and they stop coming.

   So, other than making a private and very temporary playground for older twin cities enthusiasts, what is your plan to see Ely survive? With Ely's average population aged 65 and older are you willing to pay substantially more in your personal taxes to keep Ely going? Will you contribute to keep the hospital operating, the roads to the entry points paved and maintained, and the schools open? How much extra are you willing to contribute to pay for law enforcement in the BWCA region? Meth use is on the rise in Ely and I'm sure, the entire region. How many more tax dollars are you willing to contribute to our area to fund dealing with this problem? Are you willing to quit your good-paying, twin cities area job as a master electrician and move to Ely to experience feast and famine personally? And how long will it be before you join the mass exodus out of town after you decide that making a living in Ely on tourism is a very difficult proposition requiring long hours and not a lot of pay, but with guaranteed uncertainty?

   So, ponder these things as you sign petitions to protect your 5 day, essentially-free, BWCA vacation, driving on roads that we pay for, while being protected by emergency services that we pay for, and stopping in stores that we pay for. Your $100 spent in Ely stores isn't going to float them through the winter, but your support of twin cities opposition to everything happening in Ely is certainly going to hurt all of us here in the long run. Maybe we should all sign a petition to have your company shut down. I hear working 3 part time jobs, like many do in Ely, is loads of fun but it significantly cuts into one's vacation time.

    Despite what the "environmental" detractors are spewing, we can have clean water and an underground mine located 3,000 to 4,000 feet underground. I bet you didn't know that it is not going to be an open pit but instead an underground mine.

    We are in the year 2013, not the Dark Ages. The locals up here actually like being here far more than you. We've committed a lifetime here while eeking out a living when we could have just as easily moved to some metro area for better pay. Your signing a petition against our support of the project says to me that you somehow know more and have greater concern for our backyard that you visit once a year. That's shortsighted on your part and rather insulting to all the people here who mined the very same rock for 88 years prior to the inception of the BWCA in 1964. Ironically, the BWCA was chosen (after 88 years of virtually unchecked-by-government mining) to be named a federally-designated wilderness due to it's pristine waters. Now, how was that even possible? The same rock?

  Hopefully, this letter will enlighten you somewhat. I'm not expecting much given the twin cities crowd and their blatant disregard of current BWCA laws while rabidly supporting something they know nothing about. It's always about their good time and ignore the rest of the world. Nonetheless, I thought I'd give it a try with you.


Joe Baltich

Northwind Lodge - Ely

Copper Education - Minnesota And Flambeau Comparisons, Ore Sulfide Bodies

Copper Education - Minnesota And Flambeau Comparisons, Ore Sulfide Bodies

What is Copper?

Native copper is an element and a mineral. It is found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits; in hydrothermal veins; in the cavities of basalt that has been in contact with hydrothermal solutions; and as pore fillings and replacements in conglomerates that have been in contact with hydrothermal solutions. It is rarely found in large quantities, thus it is seldom the primary target of a mining operation. Most copper produced is extracted from sulfide deposits.

http://geology.com/minerals/copper.shtml

An Overview of Cu-Ni Deposits inMinnesota: A Geological Perspective
Jim Miller
Department of Geological Sciences
Precambrian Research Center
University of Minnesota Duluth

http://www.lvpmn.org/_site_components/documents/user/DC%20Min_LVPmtg_5-13-13.pdf

Observed Results From The Flambeau Copper Mine - It has been done before safely.

Results show consistent sulfate levels below Wild Rice Standard In Minnesota

Sulfur Levels Much Lower In Minnesota Ores.

Source:
Copper and Nickel Mining in Minnesota
University Of Minnesota - Duluth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQELZoL2yUo

Flambeau Reclaimed: A Success Story

http://www.flambeaumine.com/

http://blogs.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/blogs/wof/wofnashblog/2012/09/21/reclaimed-flambeau-mine-nature-trails/

Political Fundraiser For Congressman Chip Cravaack, 8th District, Minnesota

Where: Semer's Beach, Ely, Minnesota When:  6:00pm until 8:00pm

Monday, Sept. 17th, 2012 Semer's Beach Ely, MN Brats & Beans Congressman Cravaack has OUR back Come show that we have HIS back! Directions: Coming to Ely on Hwy 169, at the first stop light turn left on Central Ave and go to stop sign on Camp St. N Central Ave becomes N Pioneer Rd. Continue driving past Wilderness Outfitters, turn left on W Shagawa Rd. Drive .3 miles, turn right on N Lakeview Ave. Drive .1 mile and turn left on W Lakeview Pl.Semer's Beach pavillion straight ahead. Hwy 21 from Babbitt, it becomes Central Ave. At the stop light at Sheridan St, keep going straight to the stop sign on Camp Street. Attend this fundraiser and thank Congressman Cravaack for getting HR 5544 passed in the House. This will swap out the School Trust Fund lands in the Boundary Waters for Forest Service lands outside of the Boundary Waters.

We Support Mining! Signs Are Available For Minnesota

If you would like to show your support for responsible mining in Minnesota and the communities, schools, people and the jobs that mining supports you can act now!

Signs are available from the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota. You can contact them here to request a sign.

http://www.taconite.org/contactus.php

Related link: Become a supporter on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/wesupportmining


Why is this important to Minnesota? 


In Minnesota, the iron mining industry contributes to the local communities, region and state through jobs, production taxes, education programs and scholarships.
Minnesota’s Iron Mining Industry Statistics*

Direct employment	4,215 individuals
Average wage and benefit package	$100,000/year
Total hours worked:	8.9 million hours
The region's mines provide the highest paying technical jobs in the region.
Industry vendor employment	13,000 individuals
Iron mining is the main economic engine of the region - making other businesses and jobs possible
Financial impact	$3.1 billion/year
Minnesota's mining industry is ranked number one in gross product output - adding more than $3.1 billion annually to the regional economy. Domestic iron ore production is important to the security of our country.

Taxes
Production tax	$73.1 million payable 2012
Royalty payments	$34.3 million payable 2012
$49 million was paid in 2012 to state education programs by Minnesota's mining industry
K – 12 education	$36.6 million/year**
University of Minnesota trust funds	$12.4 million/year**
*Source: Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, 2012 **Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Department of Revenue, 2012
Looking forward
$94.1 million in production taxes estimated for 2013 - a $20 million increase. Production taxes are paid in lieu of property taxes. The increase is due to a three year average dropping 2009, which was marked by low production due to recession.
Estimated taxes from 2012 production, payable 2013:	$94,100,000
Distribution to Range schools:	$15,843,000
LGU's, counties, IRRRB and others:	$78,257,000

Iron Range Minnesota Mining, Mary Tome: Just About Everyone Supports Mining

We all support mining whether we realize it or not.

If you drive a car, use a computer or cell phone, have plumbing in your house, watch TV, wear jewelry, cook with metal pans, own a lawn chair, have glass in your windows, have a furnace, air conditioner or wood stove, paddle a canoe, use electricity or use a refrigerator, you support mining.

Article Below:
Twin Metals | Mary Tome: Just About Everyone Supports Mining

Minnesota Mining – Rukavina delivers reality check to environmental extremists

Tom Rukavina’s correction of Mike Hillman and Bob Tammen which reflects the current citizen backlash against environmental extremism in a recent letter to the Editor of the Timberjay. Mining of this type of rock strata has been going on for decades in the region’s back yard including Babbitt, Ely, Eveleth, Soudan, Virginia, Hibbing, Keewatin etc… where many people from all over the area work and live, not sure what the difference would be now but they don’t want you to know that or the other information about new mining techniques readily available on the Internet now…

Full Article link below:

http://www.timberjay.com/stories/Taconite-dollars-keep-the-tourist-economy-afloat,9995?content_source=&category_id=51&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=&town_id=

We Support Minnesota Mining!

Show your support for Minnesota Mining! Signs are popping up all over Northern Minnesota!

We support environmentally responsible mining in Minnesota and the communities, schools, people and jobs that mining supports.

Website Link>>  We Support Minnesota Mining!

 

Chip Cravaack & Local Republicans Campaign Hard In Northeast Minnesota - Democrats a No Show

Local Republicans showed up in force to campaign in Babbitt, Minnesota for votes. There wasn't a democrat candidate to be found on June 24th at the Peter Mitchell Days Parade which is very interesting in Northeast Minnesota. The Cravaack supporters definitely made it known that they will support mining here which is good to know. Other Republicans campaigning for votes were local Jim Tuomala and Jennifer Havlick. The Republicans of this area don't appear to be taking any votes for granted and it is good to see they are receptive to the needs of it. Babbitt, Minnesota is located near Ely, Minnesota and both have a rich history in mining and is a way of life in the Northeast of Minnesota.

Babbitt-Ely Copper-Nickel Mining, Mining Minnesota Fact Sheet

Minnesota is poised to become a global leader in supplying critical and strategic metals, such as copper and nickel, that are essential to our way of life.

Good information about the coming mining projects in Northeast Minnesota.

Fact Sheet Link: http://www.miningminnesota.com/factsheet2012.pdf

Copper- Nickel Mining Minnesota: Nickel helps power fuel-efficient Prius c Hybrid

I post this link just to pass on to the green minded environmentalists and everyone else in the world that uses the prius, and computer, cell phones, ipads, ipods …..

The fuel tank and 144-volt nickel-metal hybrid battery pack, which weighs 68 pounds and consists of 120 cells, are placed together beneath the rear seat.

Test Drive – 2012 Toyota Prius C
http://www.iveho.com/2012/02/09/test-drive-2012-toyota-prius-c/
What do all of these things have in common? Precious metals I believe.

Where can they be mined safely with the new technologies that already exist?

Northeast Minnesota!!!!!

Sides being drawn on lawns, billboards in mining debate

Below is a link to another great editorial on the topic from the Ely Echo. This is about jobs, our communities, our schools, and the future livelihood or lack of it in this area. These decisions should be made by the people of Northern Minnesota and not environmental lawyers and activists with personally vested interests.

Now is not the time to sit on our hands and watch the dog and pony show. Let's let the governor know how the people that live here feel about having an opportunity to make Northern Minnesota more successful.

Everyone will benefit from the projects going on in northern Minnesota.

For the full editorial visit the Ely Echo Website:   http://www.elyecho.com/main.asp?SectionID=17&SubSectionID=34&ArticleID=12080&TM=33297.39

Court allows AT&T cell tower near BWCA

Article from Minnesota Public Radio:

Reversing a lower court, the Minnesota Court of Appeals says ATT can build a 450-foot cellphone tower with flashing lights that would be visible within parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/06/18/att-cell-tower-bwca/

Pagami Fire Aftermath

Posting from Northeast Range, Minnesota, links to some excellent reporting on the handling of the wildfire.

http://northeastrange.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/pagami-fire-update/

Northeast Range 2012 Events And Activities

*Event Dates for 2012 --

May 12th - Fishing Opener
May 28th - Memorial Day
June 9th - Finnish-American Summer Festival
June 9th - Babbitt Walleye Whamma Fishing Contest on Birch Lake
June 22nd - 24th - Peter Mitchell Days, Babbitt
July 4th - Fourth of July
July 27th - 29th - Blueberry Arts Festival, Ely
August 24- 26 - Embarrass Regional Fair
Sept. 3rd - Labor Day
Sept.7th - 9th - Harvest Moon Festival, Ely
Dec. 15th - Ice Candles and Holiday Gathering, Embarrass

Babbitt Events

Peter Mitchell Fun Days Events Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peter-Mitchell-Fun-Days/118091014868539?sk=events 

WALLEYE WHAMMA
When: Saturday June 9, 2012
Where: Birch Lake off County Road 70, 1 mile South of Babbitt
What: Catch the Big One or Small One- Prize of $1,000!

PETER MITCHELL DAYS
When: June 22-24, 2012
Where: The large field next to the Babbitt Credit Union in Babbitt
What: Includes a carnival, live bands, food booths, and more!

Embarrass Events

Finnish-American Summer Festival-

Experience the Finnish culture, music, crafts, and food in a one day
celebration.This annual event occurs on the second Saturday of June
at Timber Hall in Embarrass.

Embarrass Region Fair-

The Embarrass Region Fair Association sponsors an annual fair held at the
end of August, as well as, other events throughout the year.

This three day event is loaded with family fun including:
Exhibits, Softball, Horse Show, Mud Run, Demolition Derby, Flying Finn 10K Run,
Horse Shoe Tournament, Team Penning Competition and much more.

This event occurs the last full weekend in August. This year's event will be held on August 24-26, 2012 at the Embarrass Timber Hall.

Ice Candles and Holiday Gathering-

This Finnish tradition of remembering loved ones during the holiday season
has once again become a priority in our community. Ice candles are placed
at the Embarrass Cemetery on grave sites and along the driveway for a magical
display of light, warmth, and beauty on a cold winter night.
This is scheduled for Saturday, December 15, 2012 from 4pm-6pm at the Embarrass Town Hall. For more information: please call 218-984-2084.

Ely Events

BLUEBERRY ARTS FESTIVAL
When: July 27-29, 2012
Where: Whiteside Park in Ely, between 7th and 8th Ave. on E. Sheridan St.
What: 300 exhibitors – Original art, handcrafts, ethnic foods, Children’s events

ELY’S 19th ANNUAL FALL HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL
When: September 7th – 9th, 2012
Where: Whiteside Park in Ely, between 7th and 8th Ave. on E. Sheridan St.
What: 125+ Arts & crafts exhibitors, demonstrations.

Tower Events
See the following website: http://lakevermilioncommerce.com/

Other Area Activities

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Bois Forte Heritage Center
International Wolf Center
North American Bear Center
Dorothy Molter Museum
Soudan Underground Mine
Bear Head Lake State Park
Hiking
Blueberry Arts Festival
Harvest Moon Festival
Winter Festival
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Dog Sledding
Fishing
Northern Lights
Berry Picking
Wildlife Sightings (moose, bear, wolves, loons and more)
Swimming, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking

Golf at nearby Babbitt Golf Club. This reasonably priced and challenging
nine hole course features well maintained greens and complete rental
facilities. Advance reservations are not required.

The Ely Municipal Course is also a convenient, challenging course.
Giants Ridge Golf Course one of the premier golf courses of the upper Midwest
is located less than 30 minutes from Timber Bay Lodge.

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay made the best new course link
in GolfWeek Magazine.

In Midwest, mining unearths jobs as well as metals

 "Overall international economic growth is driving the demand for these metals and will do so for years to come," said Bob McFarlin, vice president of Twin Metals Minnesota.

And mining means jobs. At $20-$25 an hour, it's money that can support a comfortable lifestyle.

They're the sorts of jobs with which "you can build a family, buy a home, send your kids to college and come and live in Northern Minnesota and have a very good career," McFarlin said.

Read More: CBS Evening News Report:>>   In Midwest, mining unearths jobs as well as metals

Twin Metals Babbitt-Ely area mine project takes steps forward

Twin Metals formally announced Thursday that it has instructed its engineering contractor to draw up plans for an 80,000-ton-per-day mine and processing plant -- an operation that would be one of the largest private enterprises in state history.

It would be the largest underground mine in Minnesota history, digging the largest untapped copper deposit in the world, and it’s edging closer to reality in the woods southeast of Ely.
Twin Metals is in the field this spring collecting baseline environmental data across 32,000 acres the company has secured access to under which geologists say is a jackpot discovery of copper.

Full Article Here: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/226817/publisher_ID/36/

Boundary Waters Choral Festival, April 3, 2012 7 p.m.

The Boundary Waters Choral Festival Is Coming Up Soon!
Mark Your Calendars!

Tickets: Students/Seniors $3
Adults $5
Family Cap $12

Featuring the High School Choral Students from
Ely, Mt. Iron Buhl, Northwoods, Cherry
Southridge, Intl. Falls, and Northeast Range

Guest Conductor
Dr. Bret Amundson
Professor of Music at St. Scholastica

April 3, 2012 7 p.m.

George Moe Auditorium
Northeast Range High School

Fundraising The Main Agenda?

Excellent Opinion In The Ely Echo regarding the objectives of environmental activism.
http://elyecho.com/main.asp?SectionID=17&SubSectionID=34&ArticleID=11876