MADISON – Wisconsin residents need to speak out in support of the “Jobs for Generations Act” to help start clean iron mining near Hurley and create thousands of jobs statewide, WMC announced Tuesday.
WMC launched a statewide radio ad campaign today urging passage of the “Jobs for Generations Act.” The proposal will create an iron mining regulation to allow the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to begin the in-depth review and approval process for the iron mine near Hurley. The “Jobs for Generations Act” requires the mine to be operated safely, and in an environmentally responsible manner.
“Construction of the mine will create nearly 2,000 jobs and it will employ up to 1,400 once it is operating,” said Kurt R. Bauer, WMC President/CEO. “The Jobs for Generations Act is needed to help get this project moving. Northwest Wisconsin needs the jobs, and our entire state needs the jobs that will be created as the mine operates for nearly 100 years.”
Iron mining has a much smaller environmental footprint than other types of mines. For example, an iron mine in Black River Falls that ceased operation in 1982 is now a beautiful lake and wildlife habitat area. Earlier this year, the DNR certified this mining site to be in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations. The iron mine in Black River Falls is a great example of how the billions of tons of iron ore on Wisconsin’s Gogebic Range can be safely mined.
“Minnesota and Michigan have safe iron mining operations,” Bauer said. “If they can do it in Minnesota and Michigan, we can do it here, too,” he added.
Gogebic Taconite is looking to develop a portion of the Gogebic Range in Ashland and Iron counties. The mine will be operated with heavy equipment manufactured in Wisconsin.
At first, the mine will create 2,000 jobs, and sustain thousands of jobs statewide for years to come. Mine workers will earn over $60,000 a year in wages alone and $82,000 with benefits. The mine could employ additional miners when operating at high volume.
Over the 100 year life of the mine, it will generate billions of dollars in economic activity, and millions of dollars in tax revenue to pay for schools, libraries, roads, parks and other vital services, Bauer said.
“Wisconsin can send a signal to the world that our business climate is making dramatic improvements if we can get this mine operating,” Bauer said. “We need the Jobs for Generations Act passed so we can get started on significant job creation.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kurt R. Bauer (608) 258-3400
Scott Manley (608) 209-0568
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WMC Jobs For Generations
Radio 60 Seconds
Statewide
There’s good news about jobs . . . for generations to come.
And, it’s coming from little Iron County, Wisconsin.
Iron County could be at the center of record-breaking job creation that will ripple through our entire state.
You see, there are billions of tons of iron ore in Iron County Wisconsin that can be safely mined for generations – all while protecting our environment.
Minnesota and Michigan have done it. And, we can too.
At first, the mine will create 2,000 jobs, and sustain thousands of jobs statewide for years to come. Mine workers will earn over $60,000 a year.
Over the 100 year life of the mine, it will generate billions of dollars in economic activity, and millions of dollars in tax revenue to pay for schools, libraries, roads, parks and other vital services.
And, the mine will be built and operated with equipment made right here in Wisconsin.
Call your legislator today and tell them to vote yes on the Jobs for Generations Act.
Because we need family-supporting jobs for generations to come.
Paid for by WMC.
