Exploratory drilling in the iron ore body of the Penokees has finished for now.
Gogebic Taconite (GTAC) began drilling June 11, and completed its eighth bore hole on Tuesday, five weeks after they started. Drill holes ranged from 350 feet deep to 1,143 feet in Iron and Ashland Counties. All of the 2.5-inch round holes have been capped and eventually will be filled in with concrete.
The Department of Natural Resources says there were some erosion problems on access roads, but GTAC is fixing that and won’t be penalized.
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GTAC has indicated they may ask permission to drill more holes, but so far have not made the request.
The company is proposing a $1.5 billion open pit iron ore mine that would be four miles long, 1000 feet deep and one mile wide.
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