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.

Recently, 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.

I am providing a link to Assembly Bill 426 for your information and review: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/proposals/ab426.pdf .

Another public hearing regarding Wisconsin’s mining regulations is scheduled for January 11, 2012 in Hurley, Wisconsin. The Select Committee on Mining Jobs held an informational hearing on the regulatory and procedural components for metallic mining activities in Wisconsin on November 15, 2011 and a public hearing was held on December 14, 2011 in Milwaukee. In addition, the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Small Business held an informational hearing in Hurley, WI on October 27, 2011, and invited the general public as well as local officials, industry representatives and tribal officials to testify.

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.