PolyMet is licensed to operate a copper-nickel mine for mining in 2020

SMM Information: Minnesota has given initial support to the state's first-ever copper-nickel mine construction and operation plan, issuing a mining license for PolyMet Mining for public review, according to the Duluth News Tribune. The mining licence sets out the manner in which PolyMet Mining Company separates and stores potential acidic or active rocks, as well as the need for backfill mines to rehabilitate land. PolyMet is also required to treat wastewater from the treatment of ore at the former LTV processing centre, possibly even decades after the end of mining.

The public can express their views within 60 days and hearings are scheduled for 7 February and 8 February in Aurora and Duluth, respectively. The hearing will also apply to national air, water and water pollution permits. If all goes well, PolyMet will mine the mine by 2020. The project is expected to cost $650 million and mine 32000 tons of ore a day, employing about 300 people.

(SMM) Yan Cedar Compiler of Shanghai Nonferrous Metals Network