Twin Metals Minnesota says the copper, nickel and precious metals mining projects that it is planning for the Eky area of northeastern Minnesota is still in the planning stages so it is still unknown when the company can began mining.
Bob McFarlin, vice president of public and governmental affairs for Twin Metals, has confirmed that no final decision has yet been made regarding the first operation, which involves an underground mine of 1,500 to 3,000 feet below the surface of the Maturi Deposit near Birch Lake. A site near the Ely airport, west of the deposit, is being considered for the mine access and other facilities, he said. Underground corridors would connect facilities to the mine to minimize surface impacts. The operation would draw water from a closed iron mine known as the Dunka Pit rather than tapping underground sources or Birch Lake. McFarlin also stated that the company is also planning projects in the mineral-rich Duluth Complex.
Twin Metals is in the “pre-feasibility” stage of the project and once that is completed, a feasibility study, an extensive environmental review and permitting process will follow.