Nugget plant approved despite environmental concerns

Nugget plant approved despite environmental concerns

Despite protest from environmental groups, Minnesota state pollution regulators have approved permits for Mesabi Nugget's proposed iron plant in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. The controversial plant would be the first of its kind. Supporters claim the commercial iron nugget plant could revolutionize the mining industry by creating another market for taconite concentrate derived from the Iron Range iron ore mines. However, not everybody thinks this plant is such a great idea. Environmental groups like the Sierra Club have expressed serious concerns about the project because Mesabi was able to bypass regular environmental review processes to keep the project on the fasttrack. The project was granted legislative exemption from rigorous environmental reviews that might have closely scrutinized potential air pollution and mercury emissions. At an August 9 public hearing, Mark Ten Eyck, advocacy director for the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, said he does not oppose the project, but wants to make sure environmental concerns are not overlooked. “A lot of things about this project are very promising for mining, for economic development and for the environment,” he said. “But people should also realize that the BWCAW (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness) is part of the area's economic engine, as well. The high quality of life we enjoy here is part of the mix that attracts people to the region.” Larry Lehtinen, president and founder of the Mesabi Nugget did make an effort to address environmental concerns, but said that the environmental groups have overestimated the amount of coal Mesabi will use based on “faulty information.” Both Ten Eyck and Scott Elkins, state director of the Sierra Club, said they were still deciding whether to file an appeal.