More than 3,000 have commented on PolyMet mine review so far

The concentrator building runs almost half a mile
PolyMet's concentrator building near Aurora, Minn.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr is encouraging the public to participate in public meetings starting next week for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine.

Landwehr, though, cautioned against using the meetings as a referendum on mining.

"This is not the place to say, 'I love mining' or 'I hate mining,' he said. "Really the place for that is at the Capitol. But it's an opportunity to say, 'Here's what I'd like to see in the (environmental review) that's not in there.'"

More than 3,000 people have commented so far on the project's 2,200 page environmental review. Public review continues until March 13. The public comment period runs through March 13.

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If you go

Here are the public meetings set on the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine. They all start with an open house at 5 p.m., followed by a formal presentation and public comment period from 6:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Jan. 16
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
350 Harbor Dr, Duluth

Jan. 22
Mesabi East High School
601 N 1st St W, Aurora, Minn.

Jan. 28
St. Paul RiverCenter
175 West Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul