ASHLAND COUNTY, WI (AP)-- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says asbestos mineral fibers have been found in a rock sample from the proposed iron ore mine site in northern Wisconsin.
Opponents of Gogebic Taconite's $1.5 billion proposed mine in Ashland and Iron counties were quick to use the finding as a reason to table the project, including Penokee Hills Education Project.
The DNR says the extent of the mineral on the site of the potential mine is not known.
DNR hydrogeologist Larry Lynch tells the Journal Sentinel that if Gogebic goes ahead with its formal application, it would be required to study the extent of asbestos in the rock, explain how it would control the spread of airborne emissions and how emissions from mining operations would be monitored.
