Fred Rydholm's Letter to the Michigan DNR

January 9th, 2008

There are obviously two sides to the argument that a copper-nickel-sulfide ore mine on the Yellowdog Plains would be beneficial or detrimental. It seems when an objective analysis is made, the later far outweighs the former.

Here is a treasure, one of many, that belongs to the people of the State of Michigan. But our government has seen fit to sell this treasure off in the form of 20 year leases to a foreign company at a price of $2.50 per acre.

It now appears that the ore body was located by the people working for the state of Michigan, then were appointed to the MDEQ to govern it. Appointed as bureaucrats, and speaking of it as "our mine", they have led the state through a series of steps to dispose of this ore body.

A committee was chosen, but certain knowledgeable people were not allowed to be on it. The committee was guided by the company to propose a set of laws that were then "rubber stamped" by uninformed legislators. They were told it is the strictest set of laws for sulfide ores in the Nation, which they definitely are not. Public hearings were held in which, in every instance, there was overwhelming opposition to the granting of permits and their reasons were numerous. It was difficult and frustrating to say much in 3 minutes. The talks often became emotional. But hundreds of people of all walks of life became involved.

Starting with the immediate area of this particular mine, which will be located beneath the headwaters of the most protected and pristine river in our state, and involving two aquifers. One is on the surface and one is deep underground. Both of these will have violent disturbances. It is difficult to imagine the destruction that will be wrought to this natural area.

Try to visualize the fencing and clearing of many acres of forest land, the huge piles of rock that will be taken from three fourths of a mile of the two lane tunnel, buildings, settling ponds with noise-makers to keep the water birds from landing onto the acidic water, and a waste-water treatment plant. Think of the constant noise of the pumps, the blasting, the crushing machines, the heavy trucks and other machinery. Also think of the air filled with acid dust, the polluted water and the destruction of plant and animal habitat that could extend for miles around affecting neighbors in all directions.

A project of this magnitude certainly should not be rushed into without all of the necessary studies by qualified independent agencies. There should be a long-term hydrology appraisal, as the rain and snowfall totals vary greatly over a 20 year period. The many hundreds of acres of wetlands, two aquifers, six or seven river systems, and hundreds of springs are involved, are all draining into Lake Superior.

Congressman Bart Stupak has pointed out that there has been no environmental impact study done which is usually required by law. The effect on the surrounding forest, animal and plant life certainly should be studied.

What has become of our democratic principles that our country was founded on, the ones we are trying to spread around the world--a government of, for and by the people? Petitions have been submitted by thousands of nearby landowners, as well as other petitions signed by thousands of interested citizens. Public hearings ran over 90% against the mine. Testimonials and letters came from out of state describing the troubles this kind of mining has caused in their communities. Scientists from highly respected institutions have written, and a letter signed by over 40 PhDs from a dozen Michigan colleges and universities have condemned the project. The people do not want the mine--but it seems they have not been heard.

Our government and local representatives, and even the news media have failed to take a stand, but instead choose to hide behind the bureaucratic appointees who seem bent on pushing their project through.

Only our local congressman has seen fit to question the wisdom of pushing the project through without further long-term and meticulous study, for fear of affecting the waters of the great lakes.

The reason for the present demand for metals, especially iron, copper and nickel is the rapidly developing country of China. They are the reason for the rise in prices of these metals. They have these resources, but they are undeveloped there. They already control our currency, but would rather have our resources. When ours are depleted, we must turn to them. There is now the specter of this huge amassing of mineral rights--250,000 acres in the UP alone--being bought over by China. Rumor has it that China could take over Rio Tinto. They are poised and ready to take over these resources which should never have been allowed out of American ownership in the first place.

American Mining Companies such as Phelps-Dodge, are attempting to mine nickel and copper in Indonesia, and Canada is still the big producer. There are deposits in Finland, Norway, Russia and India, as well as various places in the US. When we learn to mine these sulfide ores safely, they will still be here.

We cannot depend on the MDEQ or the DNR to stop the mine. They are too focused and shallow in their thinking. We must depend on updated laws or maybe the courts.

Prepared by C. Fred Rydholm

221 Lakewood Lane
Marquette, MI 49855
on Jan. 6, 2008