Controversial U.P. mine owners release focus group results about project

The owners of a controversial new mine in Michigan’s upper peninsula have released the results of focus group meetings with nearly 100 residents of the area about the mine. The mine is owned by Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company and has been the target of protests and increased concerns about environmental issues stemming from the mining activity.

The new study shows how residents see the mining project both on its positives and negatives, reports the Iron County Daily News.

“This report attempts to objectively identify the issues of importance to the people who fall in the middle of the two extreme views on mining and the community,” the report abstract reads. “Their views will be used to establish a social baseline of where this group positions itself as new mining moves forward in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with special attention drawn to the U.P. counties of Baraga and Marquette.”

Ninety five residents were interviewed, the report says. Those interviewed said the economic benefits of the mine was a positive as it would not only create jobs in the mine, but would have a ripple effect on the local economy fueling additional job development to support the mining. Interviewees also said the region’s history of mining was a strength for the project.

On the down side, residents said they were concerned about the short term life of the new operation — particularly how it would fuel an upsurge in local tax dollars followed by a potential slackening of those dollars. The second issue raised by respondents was the potential environment impacts of the mine. The respondents also ranked the impact of increased mining operations on the infrastructure of the area.