Mining & Environmental News

Growing Season Sprouts at Engwall's

DULUTH, Minn. - The Northland is still a little over two months away from the official start of spring, but when temperatures plummet as low as they have been, it’s hard not…

Hundreds Attend 9th Annual 'More Cowbell' Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn.- The 9th annual More Cowbell fundraiser raises money for the Northern Lights Foundation, which helps support families who have children with life-threatening illnesses. On Thursday at More Cowbell, groups competed…

Governor Mark Dayton Visits the Iron Range

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. - Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton was on the Iron Range Wednesday. The Governor met with community leaders about issues important to Northern Minnesota. Increasing local government aid,…

MnDOT Urging Motorists to be Cautious Around Snow Plows

ST. PAUL, Minn. - With significant snow totals around the state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use extra caution during plowing and snow removal operations. According to MnDOT, there have been 22 crashes so far this…

Great Lakes Iron Ore Shipping Up 11 Percent in 2017

 CLEVELAND-More than 60 million tons of iron ore were shipped on the Great Lakes in 2017, a 10.9 percent increase over 2016. It was the highest total recorded since 2012. The Lake Superior ports that go through the Soo Locks…

MPCA Proposes Denial of Minntac's Water Quality Permit

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.-The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has invited the public to make comments on a proposed denial of Minntac’s water quality permit at its Mountain Iron facility. A hearing is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at…

Senate Committee Vote on Bill Relaxing Air Pollution Rules

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A legislative committee is set to approve a Republican bill that would relax Wisconsin air pollution regulations. The bill would repeal any state air pollution rules that go beyond federal regulations by the end of 2018.…

Xcel Energy Plans Solar Garden in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. - Xcel Energy has announced plans to develop a third, one megawatt solar garden in Ashland. The garden will be part of Solar*Connect Community, Wisconsin largest community solar garden program. If enough customer interest is demonstrated, the garden…

Minnesota May See Smoky Skies Due To Western Wildfires

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota could see a repeat of smoky skies next summer as huge fires continue in the western United States. Daniel Dix is an air quality meteorologist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He tells Minnesota…

Minnesota Releases Critical Draft Permit for PolyMet

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A contentious copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has taken another step forward with state regulators releasing a crucial draft permit for public comment. PolyMet Executive Vice President Brad Moore calls Friday's release "a major milestone for the…

Minnesota Releases Crucial Draft Permit for Disputed Mine

MINNEAPOLIS-A contentious copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has taken another step forward with state regulators releasing a crucial draft permit for public comment. PolyMet Executive Vice President Brad Moore calls Friday's release "a major milestone for the project'' after more…

Cold Temperatures Causing Shipping Delays

DULUTH, Minn. - The Duluth Port normally sees cold temperatures like these in January, but officials say it's the most ice on the lake at this time of year since about 2001.…

Young Kids Getting Cabin Fever the Most

DULUTH, Minn.-The frigid temperatures have a firm grip on the Northland as many of the residents in region have to put some extra layers on when going outside. Many others are choosing…

Minnesota Climber Headed to Canada's Remote Mount Luciana

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. (AP) - A veteran Minnesota explorer is planning another adventure, an attempt at the first winter ascent of remote Mount Luciana in Canada. The seldom-visited, 17,146-foot peak is deep in the Yukon's Kluane National Park, about 40…