9/16/2024

GOGEBIC / ONTONAGON COUNTIES - On Saturday, members of multiple Tribal Nations and allies walked from Ironwood to The Presque Isle River in the Porcupine Mountains State Park as a protest against the Copperwood Mine Project.  The Gichigaming Water Walk had people walk from the Michigan and Wisconsin state line in Ironwood to the state park’s shore in response to Highland Copper’s proposed Copperwood Mine.  At the mouth of the river, water walkers performed a ceremony.  Highland Copper released a statement that reads in part “Highland Copper is seeking to sustainably produce critically needed copper in the U.S. and Michigan. Highland has designed its Copperwood project with consideration for both the environment and local communities, demonstrating that protecting the environment and industry are not mutually incompatible.” In response to community concerns, Copperwood says they will not be drawing any water from Lake Superior.  Highland has also designed key environmental mitigation projects, including the creation of compensating wetlands and streams, in addition to preserving a 717-acre area of wetland in perpetuity.