DNR seeks comments on proposed modifications to taconite mine

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DNR seeks comments on proposed modifications to taconite mine and processing plant near Nashwauk
(Released May 2, 2011)


The draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS), which has been prepared for modifications to Essar Steel Minnesota’s taconite mine and processing plant project (previously approved and currently under construction) near Nashwauk, is available for public review, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today.

The project, proposed by Essar Steel Minnesota (Essar), would increase the production of taconite pellets from 3.8 million metric tons per year of low flux taconite pellets to 6.5 million metric tons per year of high flux pellets or 7.0 million metric tons per year of low flux taconite pellets. Other modifications related to the increase in pellet production are discussed in the draft SEIS.

Essar is also proposing to decrease the length of the mine plan time period from 20 years to 15.

The low flux pellets will be made for use as a feed material to the Direct Reduced Iron process and the high flux pellets will be made for use as a feed material in blast furnaces located off site. Either pellet type may also be sold on the open market, depending on internal demands and market conditions.

The draft SEIS describes the project’s effects on surface water quantity and quality, wild rice, solid wastes, project-specific and cumulative air quality, greenhouse gases and climate change, and socioeconomics.

The DNR will hold a public information meeting on the draft SEIS on Tuesday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m., at the Nashwauk-Keewatin High School, 400 Second St., Nashwauk.

Public review copies of the draft SEIS are available at the following locations:

DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul
Duluth Public Library, 144 West Second St., Duluth
Minneapolis Public Library - Technology and Science, Government Documents, 2nd Floor, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Hibbing Public Library, 2020 E. 5th Ave., Hibbing
Keewatin Public Library, 125 3rd Ave. West, Keewatin.
The documents are also posted online.

The DNR will accept comments on the draft SEIS until 4:30 p.m. June 8. Written comments should be sent to: Lisa Fay, DNR Division of Ecological and Water Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, Box 25, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025.

Email comments can be sent to environmentalrev.dnr@state.mn.us. Emailed comments should include “Essar SEIS” in the subject line and provide a name and mailing address so that future notices and documents can be provided.