GOGEBIC COUNTY, MI-- Environmental groups say exploratory copper drilling in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has made a muddy mess.
Orvana Resources, a division of Highland Copper, was given the go-ahead by the Department of Natural Resources to drill 12 test holes—as long as it took place on frozen ground. The Mining Action Group says although Orvana promised to protect the area from erosion heavy equipment has produced “a mile-long mudhole.”
The Department of Environmental Quality says it’s leading efforts to remedy erosion concerns along County Road 519 in Gogebic County. Officials say work had been ongoing since March 17, but all drilling is now suspended.
Water Resources Division District Coordinator Steve Casey says Highland Copper will take immediate steps to stem erosion and is developing a site stabilization plan.
