MARQUETTE, MI— Northern Michigan University has withdrawn its support for the proposed Copperwood Mine in Gogebic County.
University President Brock Tessman had previously indicated support for the planned copper mine in November of 2023; however, last July, Tessman wrote a letter to InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante, saying his understanding of the mine had grown.
Tessman said the projected life of the mine was only 11 years and it’s likely many of the jobs associated with it would be filled by people from outside the region. He noted the temporary economic boom produced by the mine could be overshadowed by permanent ecological damage and a post-closure economic downturn. Another major concern to the university is the threat to Indigenous rights and natural resources posed by the location of the mine and associated tailings. The mine would sit on topography that flows into Lake Superior.
While he recognizes the need for minerals like copper in today’s economy, Northern’s president said the university does not “see the Copperwood Mine as the right mine, in the right place, at this time.”
Meanwhile, Upper Peninsula legislators oppose NMU’s withdrawal of support. In a press release Monday, they said the ore body at Copperwood is large enough for two decades of work, and the project would employ more than 700 people, directly and indirectly.
Congressman Jack Bergman said mining for critical minerals like copper is necessary for the nation’s security and economy.
State Senator John Damoose said, “It is beneath the dignity of a great institution like NMU, who claims a role in helping the region’s economy, to ignore this proud mining history and cave to the whims of political activists and their cause with no concern for the hardworking men and women who live here and work in the industry and all those who rely on its products.”
Representative Greg Markkanen says NMU is parroting falsehoods from environmental activists. He adds, “EGLE has verified the tailings do not leach acid and has also permitted the tailings dam design to be safe.”
The Michigan Senate did not approve $50 million in state money for the Copperwood Project in the previous legislative session.