Once more, mining organizations have rekindled their interest in sulfide mining within the Quetico Superior region. Green Bridge Metals Corporation has entered into a letter of intent with Encampment Minerals Inc (EMI), a privately owned US corporation. They plan to commence a drill program for copper-nickel mining within what they describe as the South Contact Zone (SCZ). As a result, the Canadian company has the opportunity to acquire an 80% interest within 21,000 acres of the zone. The region begins just south of the Mesabi Range and ends 40 miles north of Duluth. Green Bridge is optioning the project from EMI.
According to Green Bridge President and CEO, David Suda, “We plan to advance these underexplored properties by leveraging historical exploration data by drilling in the coming 12 months.” Additionally, they have identified four separate sites with known copper-nickel and/or titanium-vanadium-copper mineralization.
In the news release, he goes on to note that the “SCZ project is located to the south and outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area (BWCA) and watershed and no access or permitting issues of consequence have been experienced to date.” However, it should be noted that multiple watersheds within the Superior National Forest, which the BWCA is within, could eventually be impacted. Waters within the Duluth Complex flow east toward Lake Superior. Others north of the Laurentian Divide discharge into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and beyond.
Sulfide mining and regional effects
Published in Minnesota Medicine magazine, the official journal of the Minnesota Medical Association, healthcare professionals have voiced concern about the potential effects of copper-nickel mining in both the region and human health. They state that “given the geology and chemistry involved with sulfide ore and the sulfide mineral oxidation that occurs as part of the sulfide-ore mining process, leaching of sulfate and toxic metals from mine ore and waste rock will continue for centuries. Sulfate and toxic metals will inevitably make their way into surrounding water, soil, fish, birds, and mammals, increasing the already existing toxic burden. Threats to fresh water from sulfide-ore mining could have devastating effects on our region.”
Environmental advocates are likewise concerned, “Sulfate releases mercury from sediments and increases toxic methylmercury in the food chain and fish.” says WaterLegacy.
Exploration plans throughout the State
Exploratory mining is not new to Minnesota. The state offers leases to nonferrous metallic mineral interests for exploration as well as development according to statutes and rules. Nonferrous metallics include copper, nickel, platinum group metals, titanium, and gold.
As a result, the Minnesota DNR has provided the public with a list of current nonferrous metallic mineral leasing plans that have been approved by the DNR. The list includes plans that are currently under review. Each plan incorporates a project summary, an activity description, and information on how drill sites will be accessed. Accompanying maps highlight the locations.
Questions about exploration plans can be directed to Ted Anderson, Assistant Director, DNR Lands and Minerals Division.
More information:
- Green Bridge Metals Corporation Options World Class Copper-Nickel Exploration Portfolio in Duluth Complex Minnesota
- Mining Projects near the Boundary Waters – Quetico Superior Wilderness News
- Sulfide-ore Mining and Human Health in Minnesota
- Minnesota Nonferrous Metallic Mineral Leasing
- State Nonferrous Metallic Mineral Leasing Web Map
Wilderness guide and outdoorswoman Pam Wright has been exploring wild places since her youth. Remaining curious, she has navigated remote lakes in Canada by canoe, backpacked some of the highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada, and completed a thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail. Her professional roles include working as a wilderness guide in northern Minnesota and providing online education for outdoor enthusiasts.