[1] The project was originally proposed as a 750-foot deep (230 m) open-pit mine on 83 acres (34 ha) to extract gold, zinc and other metals.
[5] A major concern is the project's impact on the river and surrounding wetlands, which are vital to natural habitat, erosion protection and water quality.
[4] The EPA found after a May 3, 2018 meeting with the company that the requirement to finalize plans with the State of Michigan and evaluate impacts prior to starting construction in wetlands had addressed the agency's concerns.
Upper Peninsula lawmakers expressed their appreciation for the renewal with the expectation that the project would provide hundreds of good-paying construction, mining and administrative jobs, as well as contributing greatly to the region’s economy.
[1] The Menominee Indian Tribe opposes the mine as the area has archaeological indicators such as burial mounds, raised garden beds, and dance rings which tell the story of their culture within the river’s watershed.