Minorca Mines
ArcelorMittal Minorca provides low-grade crude iron ore that is processed into high-grade iron ore pellets at the steel facility. The existing mine will operate concurrently with the new mining operation until it is depleted in 2015, then it will be reclaimed and landscaped to allow for economical and recreational development.
The development of two new taconite mine pits near Biwabik and McKinley, Minnesota will extend the life of ArcelorMittal Minorca and the employment of its 340-strong work force for 18 years. The project includes $1.2 million in capital costs for environmental work.
Examples of Environmental Excellence
Ensuring an adequate supply of clean water
Dewatering of two old adjacent iron ore pits was the primary environmental issue because the City of Biwabik pumps its drinking water from the existing Canton pit. The water level in that pit will be pumped down gradually to prevent infiltration into the East Pit, potentially affecting the current drinking water system. ArcelorMittal developed a contingency plan to provide the City of Biwabik with an adequate supply of high quality drinking water if the quality or quantity of the water diminishes during the process.
Testing for Mercury
Mercury discharge was another concern because water from the mine pits ultimately flows into the Embarrass River. Ongoing testing has determined that the water meets the Great Lakes Initiative Standard for Mercury of 1.3 parts per trillion. The body of water is as clean as any in the state of Minnesota.
Addressing environmental concerns
Permitting of the East Pit mines was a complex and intensive effort that involved not only a team of ArcelorMittal professionals, but also representatives from the Minnesota Department of Resources, the Army Corp of Engineers, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Minnesota State Historic Preservation office, the City of Biwabik and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. ArcelorMittal successfully addressed the wide variety of environmental concerns raised by these entities over a two-year period:
- Wetland delineation and 404 Permit Application
- Minor Air Permit Amendment
- De-Watering Impact Studies
- Exotic Species Study and Taking Permit
- Exotic Species Research and Re-Plantation Study
- Background water sampling of pits and receiving waters
- Cumulative wetland impact study
- Federal Historical/Archeological Study
- Wildlife Cumulative Impact Study