Development of a Copper-Nickel Industry in Northeastern Minnesota
1973-06
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Development of a Copper-Nickel Industry in Northeastern Minnesota
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1973-06
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Many factors and problems must be considered in the developing of a copper-nickel operation in the Duluth Complex of Northeastern Minnesota. Exploration studies in the Complex reveal large volumes of low-grade copper-nickel sulfides (65 billion tons) and relatively small quantities of high-grade material (in excess of one percent). The Duluth Complex has not been extensibly explored and large areas of the Complex remain to be studied for their mineral potential. The known copper-nickel deposits are in a favorable geographic location with respect to labor, transportation, electrical power, water resources, and needed ancillary operations. The known deposits are found along the base of the Duluth Gabbro, and it is believed that most of the mineralized material will be found along the base. The deposits are found on Federal, state, and private lands, and therefore, the acquisition of these lands to prospect and permit to mine is different in each case. Federal and state mineral rights are leased, but private mineral interests may be bought or sold. Mineral land environment must be considered, as exploration and mining will affect the land, water, and air in varying degrees. Exploration can be carried out with no lasting effect on the environment, but actual mining can produce lasting effects. The degree to which the environment will be affected will depend on advanced planning, statutory authority to regulate the impact of mining on the environment, mineland reclamation plans, and the extraction method used or not used. Because most of the copper-nickel deposits are within the Superior National Forest, prospecting and mining must follow the rules and regulations of the Forest Service and Department of Interior. Part of the Duluth Gabbro is in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, but a court decision has terminated all attempts to explore the area and prevents future mining in the BWGA. Public opinion is against mining in the BWCA because of the effects that are feared it will have on the wilderness character. Although, geological studies could be carried out without having any detrimental effect on the area. At the present, there is an oversupply of copper and nickel on the world market, but a projected demand is expected to substantially exceed supply in the future (10-20 years). Therefore, the United States will become more and more reliant on foreign sources. The prediction clearly indicates that additional U.S. copper-nickel operations will be needed. This report indicates the probability of success of such an operation in Northeastern Minnesota.
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A Plan B Paper submitted to the faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Minnesota by Scott P. Saremba as a Requirement for the Degree Master of Science (Plan B), June 1973.
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