For the City-Times

The Department of Natural Resources has completed its review of Gogebic Taconite’s revised Bulk Sampling Plan related to the company’s potential mining project in northern Wisconsin, and has identified all DNR approvals that will be required before bulk sampling may begin.

The company submitted a revised Bulk Sampling Plan as part of its response to DNR’s August 2013 request for additional information.

According to Larry Lynch, DNR project manager, the department determined that Gogebic Taconite must obtain a stormwater permit, file a claim of exemption from air permitting, file tree cutting notices and reports with the county clerk and department forester and file a bond for reclamation.

Lynch added that, while the company pursues and secures the needed approvals, the department will continue to correspond with Gogebic Taconite to gain additional clarifying information regarding the company’s proposed bulk sampling activity.

Gogebic Taconite is seeking approvals for possible mining of portions of the Penokee/Gogebic deposit, generally defined as the 21-mile western end of the 60-mile long Gogebic Iron Range.  Gogebic Taconite completed preliminary exploratory drilling of the deposit last summer.

The public can view the DNR’s response letter, as well as sign up for email information about the project, on the agency’s Gogebic Taconite project webpage.