Promises Kept

The Flambeau Mine was the first mine to earn permits and operate under Wisconsin’s modern mining laws, which are among the toughest in the nation. Those laws cover every aspect of mining, from exploration to reclamation.

The Flambeau project has met those high standards and kept its promise to the community: environmentally responsible mining provides the minerals we all depend on, protects the natural resources we all value and offers sustainable economic benefits to local communities.

Detailed reports are available for review at the Rusk County Community Library.

Reclamation

Plans for reclaiming the mine site were part of the initial permitting process and had to be approved both by Wisconsin State regulators and local communities. The open pit was backfilled, as the community preferred. Prairie and woodland habitat was created along with more than 10 acres of wetlands. Today, the site is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals. Four miles of hiking trails have been created on the site and five miles of equestrian trails have been created south of the site. The nine miles of trails are open to the public for non-motorized recreation year round.

Find out more about reclamation (167 kb pdf)
View the 2006 Annual Reclamation report

Protecting the river

The Flambeau River, which flows right next to the site, attracts tourists, paddlers, fishermen and is a crown jewel of Wisconsin’s waterways. The River has been fully protected at every stage of the Flambeau Mine Project. Long-term monitoring both upstream and downstream proves the River is clean and healthy.

Find our more about protecting the Flambeau river (164 kb pdf)

Long-term economic benefits

Flambeau Mining Company and local governments have worked cooperatively to ensure local communities could make the most of the economic opportunities available before, during and because of mining. A recent study shows about $11 million in tax and other payments from the project came back to local communities.

View the Northwest Regional Planning Commission Socioeconomic Study of the Flambeau Mine Project

Find out more about long-term economic development (166 kb pdf)

Find out more about the Ladysmith Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Protecting ground water

Safe and clean drinking water is critically important to Wisconsin citizens. Before and during mining, the Company made a guarantee to citizens in the Local Agreement that wells would be safe. Testing shows conclusively ground water quality surrounding the site is as good as it was before mining. Monitoring will continue for 40 years to ensure future ground water protection.

Find out more about protecting ground water (181 kb pdf)

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