Skip to Main Content
Skip to audio player to listen live

Create a Free MPR

news profile

for you

Sign up

Already have an account?

By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.

Welcome back

to news for you

Sign in to your profile

New to MPR News?

Welcome back

to news

for you

Reset Password

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?

Welcome back

to news

for you

Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

AURORA, Minn.

December 2, 2013 9:10 AM

Photos: At PolyMet, ramping up to mine copper

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log in Create a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

A rod mill inside the concentrator building — A rod mill inside the concentrator building Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 at the PolyMet facility near Aurora, Minn. The rod mills are machines filled with rods of various size that are used to further crush rock during the extraction process.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News

PolyMet Mining has been working for years to demonstrate its plan would avoid scenarios that infuriate environmentalists. The latest study on how an open pit copper-nickel mine could change the landscape just north of the town of Hoyt Lakes will be released Friday in a 1,800-page environmental impact statement. More: PolyMet copper-nickel mine: Economic opportunity or too environmentally risky?"

Gallery

12 of 12

Dean Peterson, Sr. VP for Exploration — Dean Peterson, Senior Vice President for Exploration at Duluth Metals, stands next to the cover to a test shaft sunk by International Nickel Company Friday, Sept. 27, 2013 near Ely, Minn. The shaft was sunk decades ago into the Maturi copper nickel deposit. While all that is visible is a small cap, it widens into a much larger shaft that can fit a person just a few feet underground.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News

1 of 12

A rod mill — A rod mill inside the concentrator building Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 at the PolyMet facility near Aurora, Minn. The rod mills are machines filled with rods of various size that are used to further crush rock during the extraction process.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News

2 of 12

CEO Jon Cherry — PolyMet CEO Jon Cherry talks about the condition of infrastructure inside the concentrator building on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 near Aurora, Minn.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News

Turn Up Your Support

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.

Dear reader,

Your voice matters. And we want to hear it.

Will you help shape the future of Minnesota Public Radio by taking our short Listener Survey?

It only takes a few minutes, and your input helps us serve you better—whether it’s news, culture, or the conversations that matter most to Minnesotans.