Gogebic Taconite turns mining attention to UP

SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) – The company discouraged by its efforts to build a huge open pit iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin is turning its attention to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Gogebic Taconite President Bill Williams said the company has done some exploratory drilling in the UP and is studying those samples. Williams says the company is still measuring the ore’s quality and quantity and the logistics of transporting the minerals. He tells Wisconsin Public Radio News the company is finding less opposition to mining than it did in Wisconsin.

The company still holds options to lease minerals in Ashland and Iron counties. Williams said the Wisconsin leases aren’t out of the picture and would “answer that telephone call” when opponents of the company’s mining plan are more receptive.

Information from: Wisconsin Public Radio, http://www.wpr.org