DNR – State Receives Permit to Mine Application and Financial Assurance Proposals from PolyMet

November 3, 2016

DNR – State Receives Permit to Mine Application and Financial Assurance Proposals from PolyMet

PolyMet has submitted a permit to mine application for its proposed NorthMet project. This is the first nonferrous permit to mine application in the State’s history. This application includes PolyMet’s proposals for financial assurance and the wetland replacement plan. DNR will now start the application review process. This review process will include extensive evaluation of environmental and financial considerations. The application will likely be modified in response to DNR’s review.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The DNR review of the permit to mine application will take many months. The application will be reviewed by a team of DNR technical experts, additional state agencies, local governments, and DNR’s independent expert contractors. The review process looks closely at details of the proposed project to determine whether it is designed to meet state standards, provides appropriate financial assurance, and has incorporated the environmental protections outlined in the Environmental Impact Statement. After DNR completes review of the application and associated documents, DNR will consider which draft permit conditions, if any, should be developed.

PUBLIC COMMENT AND REVIEW PERIOD

If DNR determines that the application, with draft agency conditions, meets all applicable state laws, then DNR will place the draft documents on public notice for review and comment.  DNR will publish additional detail about the public comment process at a later date, including the date and location of any future public informational meetings.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

After the public notice and comment period, DNR will determine whether to hold a pre-decisional contested case hearing. DNR’s decision on whether to hold a pre-decisional contested case hearing decision will be made before the DNR makes a final decision on the permit to mine application.

Permit to mine application requirements can be found in Minnesota Rule 6132.

PolyMet’s permit to mine application, including its financial assurance proposals and the wetland replacement plan will be available by 5:00 p.m. today at: www.mn.gov/polymet (click on the DNR link).