Michigan Senate Faces Controversy Over Proposed $50 Million Grant for Copperwood Mine
Updated December 10, 2024, to correct employment numbers.
Michigan - The Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee will vote this month on a contentious $50 million taxpayer-funded grant to support the Copperwood Mine project, led by Canadian company Highland Copper. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists, community leaders, and advocates for sustainable development, who warn of significant ecological, economic, and cultural repercussions.
Environmental Risks and Waste Concerns
Critics emphasize that 98.55% of all material extracted from the Copperwood Mine would be waste rather than usable copper. This waste—containing hazardous elements like arsenic, mercury, and selenium—would amount to over 30 million tons, stored on terrain sloping toward Lake Superior, which holds 10% of the world's freshwater supply.
Compounding the risks is the proposed tailings disposal facility, a colossal structure covering 323 acres—equivalent to 244 football fields—and towering 171 feet, even taller than the Statue of Liberty. Environmentalists fear catastrophic consequences, including contamination of Lake Superior and destabilization of local ecosystems.
Risks of Dam Failure
Tailings dams, critical for storing mining waste, are increasingly vulnerable to failure. A 2015 analysis revealed that serious ruptures of such dams are occurring with growing frequency worldwide. Michigan's Dam Safety Program has also been flagged as "extremely understaffed," leaving the state ill-prepared to regulate or respond to potential disasters.
Adding to the alarm, Copperwood's infrastructure has been designed to withstand only one-in-100-year storm events, despite the region experiencing two one-in-1,000-year storms in the past decade.
Impacts on Iconic Landscapes
The mine threatens Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, revered for its old-growth forests, waterfalls, and eco-tourism value. Highland Copper has proposed mining beneath Section 5 of the park and potentially under the Presque Isle River, jeopardizing the area's fragile ecosystems.
The nearby North Country Trail, the nation’s longest hiking trail and a cornerstone of natural heritage, would lie less than a quarter-mile from industrial facilities, including sewage lagoons, explosives plants, and waste containment structures. Advocates warn that industrial noise, light pollution, and heavy traffic would irrevocably alter the trail’s serene and pristine environment.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Presque Isle River, with its Anishinaabe heritage and majestic waterfalls, is an irreplaceable cultural and ecological treasure. Once home to a thriving village and trade hub, the area now serves as a destination for fishing, swimming, and enjoying nature's beauty. Plans to drill beneath the river and nearby old-growth forests have raised concerns about damaging sacred and historical sites.
Economic and Tourism Concerns
Proponents of the Copperwood Mine tout job creation, but opponents argue that modern mining is highly automated and unlikely to provide substantial employment. According to opponents of the mine, the Eagle Mine in Marquette County employs fewer than 80 workers. Officials with the Eagle Mine have informed us that those numbers were before the mine was in operation. Since the mine opened back in 2014, Eagle Mine officials report they have 462 employees and have provided substantial employment opportunities for its workers.
Furthermore, the mine's proximity to Porcupine Mountains State Park risks undermining Michigan’s eco-tourism economy. The park attracts visitors for its unspoiled beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, experiences that industrial mining operations could diminish.
Broader Impacts of Mining in Michigan
The Copperwood Mine has drawn comparisons to the Eagle Mine, which has faced multiple environmental violations, including spills of untreated mine wastewater. Similar challenges could arise with Copperwood, especially given Highland Copper's plans to mine close to the Lake Superior shoreline, where ore grades are highest.
Highland Copper’s proposal contradicts sustainability goals, relying on gas generators for round-the-clock operations and risking long-term environmental degradation for short-term economic gain.
Community Accountability and Long-Term Costs
Opponents warn that the mine could saddle local communities with the long-term costs of environmental cleanup and infrastructure damage. With tailings and waste stored indefinitely, future generations may inherit a degraded landscape and a financial burden.
Conclusion
As the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee deliberates on the proposed grant, environmental and community groups urge lawmakers to weigh the risks to Michigan's natural and cultural heritage. This decision will not only impact the future of the Copperwood Mine but could also set a precedent for how the state balances economic development with environmental stewardship.
What You Can Do
You have the power to make your voice heard. Here’s how you can help protect Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains, Lake Superior, and the surrounding natural heritage:
Sign the Petition: Add your name to the growing list of citizens opposing the Copperwood Mine. Visit the Change.org petition here.
Visit the Take Action Page: For more information, resources, and tools to get involved, visit the official campaign page at ProtectThePorkies.com.
Contact Decision Makers: Contact members of the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee and express your opposition to the $50 million taxpayer-funded grant for Copperwood Mine.
Every voice matters in the fight to preserve Michigan’s natural treasures for future generations.
Written by: Will Wight
