5/7/2025

WAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP - The Copperwood Mine Project is still waiting for funding to start a mine project in Gogebic County.  To help move the project forward Representative Greg Markkanen has sponsored a $50 million state grant request to develop infrastructure for the Copperwood Mine Project. The proposal is backed by Wakefield Township.  Back in December the House Appropriations Committee approved Highland Copper’s proposal for $50 million in state funding. Yet, the Canadian company’s submission still needs approval on the Senate side. However, Protect the Porkies Founder and township resident Tom Grotewohl claims the infrastructure would only benefit the mine, not the community and says County Road 519 is already an all-season road where people can visit the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park anytime. He adds that his organization will renew its efforts to educate lawmakers.  InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante says the money from the township’s proposal would be used to upgrade County Road 519 to a class A road which can sustain heavy mining traffic and will be used for energy and broadband upgrades. The Copperwood Project is fully permitted and has a projected life of about 11 years.