LANSING, MI (MPRN)— A proposed copper mine in the western Upper Peninsula is one step closer to getting $50 million in state funds.
Funding for the project by Canadian company Highland Copper was in front of the state House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.
Nichole Keway Biber is a member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. She spoke at the hearing.
“This is a dangerous project to these places. We can’t ignore that,” she said. “There’s a lot of work to be done of restoration. We can invest in repair and clean up. So, vote no on this $50 million.”
There’s a lot of controversy around the mine and close to 300,000 signatures on a petition opposing it. The underground mine would be built near Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
Supporters, meanwhile, say it could help meet demand for minerals necessary to build renewable energy technologies like windmills.
Marty Fittante with InvestUP—a Marquette-based economic development organization—says the mine will help address a struggling economy.
“The Upper Peninsula is my home. It's where I was raised, where my grandchildren live. Unfortunately, for too many people, they can no longer call it home because we don't have opportunity.”
The House committee ultimately advanced the funding. It still needs approval from a state Senate committee.