GTAC Nears End Of Exploratory Drilling Process

Gogebic Taconite (GTAC) is drilling the last of the eight exploratory bore holes in the Penokee Range, and could finish work early next week.

Drilling began a month ago, and except for a raid by protesters on day one, things have gone fairly smoothly. Department of Natural Resources hydrogeologist Larry Lynch says there have been problems with erosion on access roads to the drill sites.

“In response to that – and actually prior to our inspections – the company installed additional erosion control devices and [is] basically following best management practices for construction site storm-water management,” says Lynch.

Lynch says there won’t be any penalties assessed. He does say he’s gotten lots of emails from groups and individuals concerned about the erosion.

Some of the complaints have come from the Bad River Band. Chairman Mike Wiggins says the exploration goes beyond drilling problems.

“There’s a social-slash-environmental-slash-cultural … just kind of an unnatural traumatic impact that has come with this Florida-based company messing around in such a pristine area,” says Wiggins.

GTAC drilled one bore hole in Ashland County; the rest are in Iron County. But this probably won’t be the last of their exploratory drilling. They have already told the DNR that they will probably ask for a license for more drilling in the proposed mine area.