Flambeau Comparisons

The Flambeau Mine has been drawn into the debate over the advisability of moving forward with new metal-sulfide mines in the Great Lakes region and beyond. Both mine supporters and opponents  have cited the environmental and economic track record of the Flambeau  Mine in efforts to support their positions.

If the Flambeau Mine is to be used in this debate, it is important for the public, tribal representatives and government officials to have access to the following fact-based information:

  • A comparison of the Flambeau Mine to new proposed projects (size, site hydrology, rock geochemical data, waste volumes and disposal techniques, water treatment processes, etc.) (click HERE)
  • A comparative assessment of economic conditions in Rusk County, Wisconsin (where the Flambeau Mine was located) before, during and after mine operations (click HERE)
  • A comparative assessment of critical state laws in Wisconsin and other states (e.g., Minnesota) that:
    • allow for the establishment of “groundwater sacrifice zones” at mine sites (click HERE)
    • require certain determinations to be made before issuing nonferrous mining permits (i.e., Moratorium/Prove It First legislation) (click HERE)
  • Commentary on the Foth (foth.com/) connection between the Flambeau Mine and the proposed Back Forty mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (click HERE)
  • Commentary on the Foth (foth.com) connection between the Flambeau Mine and the proposed PolyMet mine in Minnesota (click HERE)
  • Commentary on the Foth connection between the Flambeau Mine and the proposed Copperwood mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (click HERE).

Relevant News Stories

  • What Happens when a Mine Closes, Laura Schulte, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA Today Network, July 31, 2025 / Updated Nov. 18, 2025 (online edition).
  • Before the Next Mine (It’s quiet and green at the former Flambeau Mine site, but groundwater and stream pollution tell a story of risk, not restoration), Laura Schulte, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 3, 2025 (print edition – Sunday front page feature story).