State approves mining firm for more exploratory drilling

[hue]

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/state-approves-mining-firm-for-more-exploratory-drilling-b99186979z1-241025211.html

Wisconsin regulators have approved an application for exploratory drilling by Gogebic Taconite at the site of a proposed mine in northern Wisconsin.

The Department of Natural Resources approved the company's plans to drill 15 exploratory drill holes at the mine site, which spans portions of Ashland and Iron counties.

Gogebic had received an exploration license in the spring of 2013 and drilled eight holes last summer. It was during that period that a protester threatened a mine company worker. The protester was later arrested and charged with felony robbery and three misdemeanors.

Since the incident, authorities have not reported similar aggressive tactics by protesters who oppose the $1.5 billion iron more mine.

The drill holes will provide information on core samples of rock and the potential to produce iron ore.

According to documents filed by Gogebic, the maximum drill hole will be 1,465 feet. Most of the holes will be drilled at 45 degrees through sedimentary rock.

All told, the drilling activity will sample more than 11,000 feet of rock.

Gogebic is proposing to construct a 4-mile long mine as deep as 1,000 feet in the Penokee range. The area has been mined since 1850s and core drilling has first began in the 1920s, according to the company's application.

[elfin]

1. Dammit. Walker's DNR is a natural disaster by itself. Eom

[hue]

2. Here's an example of why sheeple believe in hell.

[Ed Suspicious]

3. The drill holes provide a wide buffer zone to keep back any protesters from the actual mine site.