Browsing by Subject "Non-ferrous mining"
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Item A Comparative Economic Analysis of the Impact of Taxes and Royalties on Potential Non-Ferrous Mining Projects: Minnesota’s Rank - Nationally and Internationally - at the Start of the 21st Century: Interim Report(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2002) Zanko, Lawrence MThere still exists in the non-ferrous minerals industry a perception that Minnesota is a hightax state, making it unattractive for hard rock mineral investment. This perception is reflected by the most recent industry survey performed by the Canada-based Fraser Institute, in which Minnesota was ranked near the bottom in the categories of: 1) mineral potential, 2) policy potential, and 3) investment attractiveness, relative to several U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and most other foreign countries. To address this negative perception issue, an up-to-date, rigorous, and objective comparative economic analysis is being performed to quantify the economic impact that Minnesota’s current tax and royalty policies have on potential non-ferrous mining projects. This ongoing analysis uses hypothetical mining project models that are patterned after realistic mining operations worldwide, with an emphasis on Cu ± Ni ± PGE and PGE deposits, given Minnesota’s widely acknowledged mineral potential for both. Both underground and open pit mining methods are addressed in what will ultimately be a multi-state (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, Arizona, Alaska, and Nevada) and multi-province and country (Ontario, British Columbia, Western Australia, Chile, and Sweden) comparison, against which the tax and royalty policies of each regime are applied. Economic measurement tools - like discounted cash flow rate of return (DCFROR) and sensitivity analyses - are used to provide quantitative results. Multiple economic scenarios will provide a range of outcomes that can be evaluated by both the private and public sector. For example, the specific example presented herein shows that Minnesota compares well with the Canadian province of Ontario with respect to mining taxes and royalties.Item A Comparative Economic Analysis of the Impact of Taxes and Royalties on Potential Non-Ferrous Mining Projects: Minnesota’s Rank – Nationally and Internationally – at the Start of the 21st Century [Part I](University of Minnesota Duluth, 2007) Zanko, Lawrence M; Peterman, JillItem Required Metallic Exploration, Mining, Processing Permits in Minnesota - The Who, What, Where, and When to Non-Ferrous Metallic Mine Permitting(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2002) Severson, Mark JIn Minnesota, there exists a framework for establishing a new, metallic, non-ferrous mine that involves a process of environmental review and application for various mine-related permits. However, to date, no non-ferrous metallic mines have been developed, and the mine permitting process in Minnesota remains untested. This report is intended to outline each of the permitting steps and to assemble, under one cover, contact numbers and addresses for each of the regulatory agencies that are involved in the process. It is important to stress that this document is intended to serve as only a rudimentary guide in pointing out what types of permits could be anticipated and the minimal length of time (under optimal conditions) that could be required before the mine-related permits are granted. This document is only a “road map” that shows the possible paths for permitting a new metallic mine - it should not be used as a substitute for contacting the various regulatory agencies. The permitting process for a non-ferrous metallic mine in Minnesota involves dealing with several agencies that include: 1) Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Division of Lands and Minerals, Division of Water, and Office of Budget and Management Services: Review Section); 2) Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (both Air and Water divisions); 3) United States Army Corps of Engineers; 4) local government units; and 5) possibly the United States Forest Service (depending on the location of the mine site). Other agencies that are involved in the process, either directly or indirectly, are also discussed in this report. Although environmental regulations are strong, each of these agencies are willing to work together to help guide mining companies through the environmental review and permitting process to allow for responsible development in an environmentally safe manner. An environmental review, consisting of a Scoping Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) and Scoping Decision, followed by an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), is mandatory and is one of the first actions that must be completed before any mine-related permits can be granted. There are several background studies, such as waste characterization and other monitoring studies, that will need to be either completed or initiated prior to beginning the environmental review. Concurrent with the environmental review, action will need to be taken on applications for at least eight major permits. Most of these permits will need to be obtained before starting construction of a new mine and auxiliary facilities and include: 1) Permit to Mine (accompanied by a Wetland Replacement Plan); 2) Part 70 Air Quality Operating Permit and NSR Construction Permit; 3) NPDES/SDS Wastewater Permit(s); 4) Section 404 Permit for disturbances to wetlands; 5) Water Appropriation Permit(s); 6) Public Waters Work Permit; 7) Dam Safety Permit; and 8) NPDES/SDS Storm Water Permit for Construction Activity. Action on the first four permits should begin early in the process as some of these permits could take up to 0.5-2.0 years before decisions can be made - decisions on the permits are held in abeyance until a decision is made on the adequacy of the EIS. The purpose of the EIS is to inform the regulatory agencies of possible alternatives that they need to consider when making decisions on whether to grant or deny the mine-related permits. In addition to these permits, another major permit that could be required is a Lease to Mine, obtained from the Bureau of Land Management/United States Forest Service- if the mine site is located on Federal mineral rights. In summary, there are numerous actions that must be initiated and completed before a nonferrous metallic mine can be permitted in Minnesota. These actions include: pre-application background studies, environmental review (scoping EAW and EIS), permit applications, public comment periods, agency comment periods, and finally, decisions on the permits. Under favorable conditions all of these actions could be achieved in 2.5 to 3.0 years. It is up to the proposer to be organized, persistent, professional, and sensitive to public concerns. Each of the regulatory agencies stress that the project proposer contacts them early, hire a competent consultant, and keep them and the public informed of their actions.