By ANTONIO

ANDERSON

Journal Staff Writer

ISHPEMING –Owners of the Cleveland Cliffs’ Tilden Mine in Ishpeming, are in talks about expanding its mining operation. Their most current proposal is to expand the pit mine and with it create a stockpile of rock that will impact 77.9 total acres of emergent, forested and shrub wetland. This proposed stockpile expansion will also permanently fill 4,661 linear feet of stream in the Escanaba River Watershed.

This increase in the Tilden mining area would inevitably have an impact on iron ore production and the number of jobs at the mine. As of 2023 the Tilden Mine employed 990 people and produced nearly 13.5 billion pounds of iron ore pellets in 2022. The impact of the expansion would have on the production of iron ore pellets and the job market is unknown. As the Tilden Mine and the Union that works at the Tilden, United Steel Workers of America 4974, could not be reached for comment.

On Monday, Tilden officials held a private meeting, the Tilden Mine Expansion Discussion, with environmental groups and adjacent landowners and farmers.

The discussion included identifying key environmental issues in advance of the public hearing that will be held about the proposal.

This meeting was led by Kathleen Heidman a board member of the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition.

“The proposed Tilden Expansion is not yet approved,” Heidman said in an email.

A few concerns raised by the group are the wild animals that make their homes in the 77 acres that will be impacted. Specifically, the group talked about beavers that have been dwelling in Grass Lake, wolves that inhabit the Ely Creek corridor and bald eagles that Heidman provided photos of the proposed affected area.

Cleveland Cliffs said it keeps the environment in mind as its environmental policy states in section F of the proposal.

“(The company will) minimize our environmental impact, where technically and economically feasible, through process improvements, capital investments and proper equipment maintenance with a particular focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing water usage, utilizing renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency.”

There will be a public online hearing hosted by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on Feb. 28, about this proposal, and public comments will be accepted through March 9.

“My advice would be to review the permit for yourself, make a list of all your concerns, and plan on expressing those concerns as clearly and accurately as possible,” Heidman said in her email. “You can, and should, submit comments and questions in writing, as well as participate in the online public hearing.”

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.