In contrast to other states, Wisconsin’s metallic mining law does not generally distinguish between mining iron (ferrous) and non-iron (nonferrous) metallic minerals. Recently, there has been much public discussion relating to modernizing Wisconsin’s mining laws to make this differentiation. The last major revision to Chapter 293 of Wisconsin State Statutes which deals with mining was made in 1998. The modification put a mining moratorium on any mineral deposits that contain sulfide.

Yesterday, the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Small Business announced plans to address legislation that would modernize Wisconsin’s mining regulations that deal with the mining of iron ore not the mining of sulfide containing minerals. In October, an informational hearing was held in Hurley, Wisconsin with testimony taken from local officials, industry representatives and tribal officials, as well as the general public. Another hearing is scheduled for next week and the Senate Select Committee on Mining Jobs will be holding additional hearings.

Although environmental effects have a tendency to be different between ferrous and nonferrous mining, maintaining environmental standards is always extremely important to me. During this legislative process, I will bear in mind two important purposes: to bring economic opportunities to residents of Northern Wisconsin and throughout the state who are asking for it and to ensure that environmental integrity is not compromised.
 

My fall survey is up on my website. I am looking forward to hearing your input on a wide range of topics. I hope you will be able to find time to fill it out and let me know your opinion.

The Fall Survey will close on Thursday, December 15, 2011.

The link to the survey on my website is: Fall Survey.