Skillings Mining Review August 2019: August 2019 highlighted the mining industry’s complex balancing act between safety, environmental responsibility, and political controversy. Our cover story focused on Minnesota lawmakers calling for the suspension of all state grants for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine, underlining the tension between local economic development and environmental protection. The debate surrounding PolyMet continued to dominate discourse in the Iron Range, with questions raised about permits, tailings dams, and community trust.
At the same time, the industry reported its safest season ever for miners, as documented in the County Report. This milestone was not only a reflection of improved safety practices but also of sustained investments in risk management and technology. It underscored how safety performance is becoming a key measure of operational success across the sector.
On the corporate and project front, activity stretched across continents. Anglo American advanced its Aquila coal mine project in Australia, and Whitehaven ramped up Micromine data system applications to improve operational efficiencies. In the U.S., Twin Metals pledged to use environmentally safer methods for disposing of copper-nickel mine tailings—a move aimed at countering persistent opposition. Meanwhile, exploration optimism was evident, with analysts noting a renewed push in gold exploration.
Iron Range developments were particularly contentious. Leaked memos sparked new questions about PolyMet’s water licenses, and companies were eager to resuscitate mining on Minnesota’s West Range, underscoring both the economic stakes and political divisions surrounding the region.
Mining finance also made headlines. A state study highlighted over $1 billion in potential losses due to insufficient icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes, demonstrating how infrastructure bottlenecks can ripple across mining supply chains. In parallel, DNR praised Minnesota’s taconite industry for its strong performance, emphasizing the role of iron ore in regional stability.
The August 2019 edition illustrates the crossroads facing mining: celebrated safety gains and technological innovation on one side, and contentious debates over environment, infrastructure, and community trust on the other.
