What is Twin Metals Minnesota?
Twin Metals Minnesota is a mining company dedicated to develop and operate an underground copper, nickel and platinum group metals (strategic metals) mining project in northeastern Minnesota. Twin Metals Minnesota is jointly owned by partners Duluth Metals Limited of Canada and Antofagasta PLC of Chile.
Why mine strategic metals in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to one of the largest untapped copper, nickel, and platinum group metals (PGM) resources in the world. There are more than 4 billion tons of copper, nickel and PGM resources in the state. The Twin Metals Minnesota project will create hundreds – potentially thousands – of long-term mining jobs and provide a significant boost to the regional and state economy.
Why was the Twin Metals Minnesota project created?
Twin Metals Minnesota was formed to develop and operate an underground copper, nickel and platinum group metals (strategic metals) mining project in northeastern Minnesota. The Twin Metals Minnesota project has the potential to be one of the nation’s largest and lowest-cost sources of copper, nickel and platinum group metals for decades, and to create hundreds – potentially thousands – of long term jobs for generations of Minnesotans.
How long has Twin Metals Minnesota operated in Minnesota?
Twin Metals Minnesota was formally created in July 2010 by Duluth Metals Limited of Canada and Antofagasta PLC of Chile. Twin Metals Minnesota’s presence in Minnesota, however, can be traced to 2006 when Duluth Metals Limited began exploration for strategic metals in northeastern Minnesota.
How big is this project?
Twin Metals Minnesota currently holds 32,000 acres of minerals rights and land assets in northern Minnesota. Twin Metals Minnesota is conducting mineral exploration on a fraction of those assets, and the eventual underground mine project will have minimal surface impacts. The future production rate of the underground mine is still under study and development.
How many jobs will the Twin Metals Minnesota project create?
While we are still defining the actual mining operation, we are confident that there will be hundreds, possibly thousands, of well-paying jobs created – jobs that will be around for generations of Minnesotans. Current job estimates are general – and conservative – based on past experience with similar mine operations. During the 2-3 year construction phase of the project, thousands of jobs will be created. When the mine begins operations, several hundred, possibly more than a thousand, jobs will be created and will be sustained for generations. Twin Metals Minnesota is currently supporting more than 160 jobs and has invested more than $150 million to date on exploration and development activities.
Is Twin Metals Minnesota creating jobs today?
Twin Metals Minnesota is already having a positive impact on jobs and the economy in Minnesota, having invested more than $150 million on exploration and development activities while supporting more than 160 direct and indirect jobs.
I am interested in a job when the mine opens. Are you taking applications?
Though Twin Metals Minnesota has not yet reached the phase of large scale hirings for mine operations, Twin Metals Minnesota does have some job openings to support project development and drilling activities. Job openings are posted and frequently updated on the Twin Metals Minnesota website. If you are interested in future employment with Twin Metals Minnesota, please monitor the website.
What economic impact will Twin Metals Minnesota have on Minnesota?
Twin Metals Minnesota is already having a significant jobs impact in Minnesota, investing more than $150 million on exploration and development activities, while supporting more than 160 jobs. As the Twin Metals Minnesota project develops, it will continue to generate positive economic impacts, such as hundreds of long-term jobs, thousands of spin-off jobs and millions of dollars in annual state and local taxes. In addition, royalties from the Twin Metals Minnesota project have the potential to contribute significant revenues to local school districts throughout Minnesota.
What type of mining operation will Twin Metals Minnesota develop?
Twin Metals Minnesota is developing a modern, underground copper, nickel and platinum group metals (PGM) mine, which will minimize surface and environmental impacts. Modern mining technologies and proven environmental protection practices will be engineered into every phase of the project.
When will Twin Metals Minnesota begin operations?
It is too soon to know the exact time when mine construction or operation will start. Twin Metals Minnesota is in the early stages of project development. In October 2011, Twin Metals Minnesota formally began the prefeasibility study (PFS) stage of project development – a process that will determine many critical details of our project. The PFS will examine such areas as environmental protection processes, facility siting, mineral processing, mining rate and estimated economic impacts. Prefeasibility is a lengthy study but is a critical step in preparing the proposed project for the thorough and rigorous environmental review that will be conducted by numerous state and federal agencies.
What are the environmental records of Twin Metals Minnesota’s joint venture partners?
The Twin Metals Minnesota partners have exceptional environmental records and are committed to protecting Minnesota’s environment. Twin Metals Minnesota is partnering with federal and state agencies, local communities and private landowners to ensure timely and responsible development of the project. Modern mining technologies and proven environmental protection practices will be engineered into every phase of the project.
How will Twin Metals Minnesota protect the environment?
Twin Metals Minnesota is fully dedicated to protecting all areas Minnesotans hold dear, especially Ely and the Boundary Waters. Twin Metals Minnesota is committed to developing a modern, environmentally responsible and economically sustainable mine for Minnesota. Twin Metals Minnesota is working with federal and state agencies, local communities and private landowners to ensure timely and responsible development of this regional economic development opportunity. The Twin Metals Minnesota project’s underground design and modern mining practices will support the long-term protection of Minnesota’s environment.
Will the Twin Metals Minnesota project be reviewed by environmental regulatory agencies?
The Twin Metal Minnesota project will be subject to rigorous, thorough and lengthy environmental review by multiple state and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The environmental standards to which the Twin Metals Minnesota project will be held – in water quality, air emissions, land protection and noise – are among the strictest laws and standards in the world. The project will need to meet or exceed those environmental standards, or it will not be allowed to move forward.
What economic benefits will Twin Metals Minnesota have for the state of Minnesota?
The Twin Metals Minnesota project will spark economic growth in the regional economy and generate millions of dollars annually in state and local taxes. Royalties from the Twin Metals Minnesota project have the potential to contribute significant revenues to local school districts throughout Minnesota. Twin Metals Minnesota has already had a significant economic impact in Minnesota, investing more than $150 million to-date on exploration and development activities while supporting more than 160 jobs.
How will the Twin Metals Minnesota project’s strategic metals help the economy?
The Twin Metals Minnesota project’s end-product metals are critical to our national economy as they are necessary components of everyday products such as cell phones, computers, wiring, engines and many more. In addition, these metals are essential for “green economy” products such as wind turbines, solar panels and long life batteries for electric cars. The Twin Metals Minnesota mine will help reduce the United States’ dependence on foreign imports of these metals.
Will the construction and mining jobs be union jobs?
The status of unionization of the labor force will be determined later in the project development effort and, in large part, will be determined by the work force itself. Twin Metals Minnesota respects the strong union history in northern Minnesota. We are grateful for the public support many unions have expressed for our project and our industry.
