Stephenson, MI - Aquila Resources, a small Canadian junior exploration company, has informed the Lake Township Board, in Menominee County, Michigan, that it intends to commence mineral production possibly as early as 2012 at its controversial “Back Forty” gold and zinc project located on the banks of the Menominee River.
Menominee River; Photo courtesy Carol Henriksen
At the township’s regular meeting, Aquila President and CEO Tom Quigley told the board that the company expects to receive mining permits from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in 2010 and begin construction the following year. According to Quigley, the company plans to spend an estimated $100 million to open the project that would employ between 100 and 200 workers over a projected 12-year lifespan.
There’s just one hitch. Most residents seem to be concerned with Aquila’s plans to use cyanide to extract gold at the project, as well as plans to process the ore on site. The metallic sulfide project also carries a likely risk of polluting the adjacent Menominee River (the ore body runs under the river) and groundwater with heavy metals and acid mine drainage. The Menominee River is prized as a high quality sports-fishing river.
Widespread opposition in the area is evidenced by a plethora of “Stop the Mine” signs along roadsides, in yards, stuffed in haystacks at family farms, and even plastered on a tractor during Stephenson’s Fourth of July parade. In response, Aquila investors have begun distributing signs in support of the Back Forty project that accuse mine opponents of “whining.” This and other divisive tactics pursued by the mining interests have created heated debate at public meetings where nearly all residents who aren’t employed by the company or invested in the project speak in opposition to Aquila’s plans.
“I think Tom Quigley is dreaming if he thinks that Aquila is going to get a permit in 2010, begin construction in 2011 and open the mine in 2012 after a company of the stature of Kennecott has been approved for years without putting a shovel in the ground,” said Ron Henriksen, a resident of Lake Township who lives within a half mile of the proposed mine.
Ron Henriksen, Lake Township resident
Certainly the odds aren’t in Aquila’s favor.
Company stock is currently trading at less than 20 cents a share on the Toronto Stock Exchange and Aquila doesn’t own another mining project that can produce revenue to fund the Back Forty project. It is widely expected that Aquila will have to sell the project to a larger firm if the company fails to raise enough outside capital. Widespread opposition to the project could make many potential investors nervous.
Nonetheless, Aquila has certainly been more active in promoting its mining project to the local community. Recently, the company offered two $1,000 scholarships to Stephenson and Carney-Nadeau high school students for producing essays highlighting the potential economic benefits of the mine. According to one Aquila investor and mine supporter, Menominee Public Schools did not allow Aquila to offer a similar scholarship through that school system.
Although the Lake Township Board has remained very critical of the Back Forty Project, Aquila has managed to secure approval in the nearby town of Stephenson. On July 11, the Stephenson City Council formerly offered their support for Aquila’s project. In a statement posted on Aquila’s website, the council said:
“Mayor Getzen and the Stephenson City Council would like to extend a warm welcome to Aquila Resources U.S.A. to our community. much [sic] needed employment opportunities and economic growth in our area. We look forward to a cooperative working relationship toward that goal.”
Aquila recently hosted a field trip to the partially-reclaimed Flambeau Mine, in Rusk County, Wisconsin. The company has consistently presented Flambeau as an environmental and economic success story in presentations throughout Menominee County. A group of Wisconsin citizens plans to sue Kennecott Flambeau Mining Company and the Wisconsin DNR regarding levels of water pollution that exceed Wisconsin and federal laws. The lawsuit would be based upon Kennecott’s own monitoring data. The WDNR has yet to issue a citation to the company for violating Wisconsin law.
LSMN
Eve Divine
doncorvette
STOP THE MINE!!!
No one cares if it supplies jobs.
No one cares if the idiots at stupid Aquila Resourses strike it rich!
For once in your life do something good for the environment!!!!!!
Plant trees for a living!
Just don’t touch a piece of land in the U.P. It won’t be worth it!
I’m going to see what the Pres. of the U.S. says about the mine.
[...] Aquila Claims Ability To Open Gold-Zinc Mine by 2012; Residents Skeptical « Lake Superior Mining Ne… says: July 14, 2009 at 2:34 am [...]
The mine is a once in a lifetime discovery. Think back one hundered years ago when iron ore was discovered in the UP. This is similar and will cause a resurgence of that level. Its up to the residents and the state of Michigan to support this positive economic fact. Also, anyone with a little initiative and a little money can buy the stock a little at a time and share in the sucess of the operation and the increasing global demand for gold and other minerals. This can benifit you, your children, your town and the whole region. Please look at the other side of this as an opportunity to support something bigger than just another day. A little extra money can give more choices in your life for doing nothing more than being a supporter.
Of course they need conduct business in a responsible manner and be diligent of the enviornment. Any company that wants to drill, mine or farm has to do things above board and follow all the rules and laws. OPEN THE MINE!!!!!
we have a place — if they get tough on the mining co come out to our claims— zinc gold silver copper ect— darwin calif,lookout city calif i have geo report [new] 2010 we have over 1000 acers and alot of old mine dumps and tails never worked from the 1870 time frame–and several old mines on claims. good assasy good ore, get out of town with this group—- and come to our s send me the info you need— and come be a jv or pardner god bless marleyco llc 831 no 225 w bountiful utah 84010 or phone 801 682 5354 god bless marley
aquila i offered you 1000 acers of mining land, that is richer than, were you wish to be. as this is now being looked at but not a done deal yet—- better contact me soon… read the history of this area and the mines— and jack stones projectdarwin@.net this will make you look at the area — why fight the town folks- this is a country like yours in australia let me know by eamil god bless marley
100 jobs for 12 yrs – woohoo (not). If you are concerned about jobs, then storm DC and tell them to pass a law that simply says: “sell it here, make it here” – you will create 10 million jobs across the USA that will last forever. And if you can’t figure that out, then go grow canola – it is 1/3 oil and that oil is diesel fuel – the other 2/3 is canola meal and that meal is animal AND fish food.