GOGEBIC COUNTY, MI— The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a $50 million grant for Copperwood Resources, Inc.—a subsidiary of Highland Copper—for construction of the Copperwood Mine in Gogebic County.
The announcement was made Tuesday morning by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $425 million and create 380 jobs.
According to an economic impact study by Public Sector Consultants, the operation is projected to provide more than $15 million per year in local, county, state, and federal revenue and increase business spending across the state by more than $130 million annually. To date, some 19 local units of government, ranging from townships to county boards, have issued resolutions of support, and nearly ten local institutions, including Northern Michigan University, have submitted letters of support.
“Copper has rightly been listed as a critical material as it is imperative in today’s world,” said InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante. “Highland Copper’s Copperwood Mine is equally critical because of its economic impact to the western U.P. communities that need the nearly 400 family-sustaining jobs the mine will bring. Further, Highland Copper’s commitment to Michigan’s stringent mining standards ensures this economic benefit doesn’t come at the expense of the environment we cherish in the Upper Peninsula. This opportunity is only possible because of the incredible leadership from Governor Whitmer, MEDC CEO Quentin Messer and his team, as well as the advocacy of the U.P. legislative delegation, especially Senator McBroom."
Environmentalists, however, say the mine will destroy streams and wetlands and radically alter the hydrology of the site near Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. They claim the mine will pollute the air and soil and leave tons of tailings and waste rock on the site.
Copperwood Resources also wants to resume mining at the old White Pine Mine in Ontonagon County and call it “White Pine North.” An assessment indicated the mine could have another 22 or more years of extraction left.
