This is the Northern Center at Northern Michigan University. (Photo courtesy of Northern Michigan University)

MARQUETTE — Institutional support for the proposed Copperwood Mine is far from rock solid.

In a letter dated July 16, recently obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, President Brock Tessman of Northern Michigan University withdrew NMU’s support for the project, citing “concerns about the long-term economic benefits of the Copperwood Mine.”

Copperwood, a proposed copper sulfide mine situated near the shore of Lake Superior and the western boundary of the Porcupine Mountains State Park in Wakefield Township, has gathered significant opposition over the past year due to the project’s potential for serious environmental consequences and harm to outdoor recreation, as well as the negative economic impacts of mineral mining. A petition opposing the mine now has over 380,000 signatures.

NMU had previously pledged support to Copperwood in November 2023 in a similar letter, which brought criticism from those the letter spoke for without consent: NMU’s students, faculty and alumni. In the July letter, Tessman comes to the conclusion that “we do not see the Copperwood Mine as the right mine, in the right place, at this time.”

Students who oppose the project responded to the withdrawal of NMU’s support: “A public university has no place officially supporting projects against the will of so many of its students and faculty,” said NMU student Korina Benavidez in a news release. “I’m relieved that NMU has retracted its support for Copperwood, and look forward to more transparency in the future.”

“We applaud NMU and Dr. Tessman for their commitment to the truth and setting the record straight,” said Jane Fitkin, NMU alumna and director of Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior. “It’s critical to have transparency from our public bodies. While we wish this letter had come out sooner, we’re glad that members of the NMU community can now know that their university isn’t supporting a project with detrimental effects to our environment and long-term economy.”

In the letter, Tessman also focuses reasoning for rescinding support on the “threat to Indigenous rights and natural resources posed by the location of the mine and associated tailings.” The proposed mine sits on wilderness-adjacent land of significance to Indigenous peoples and the threat of a tailings dam collapse would have unprecedented effects on Lake Superior fisheries.

“This is what happens when faulty information is remedied with the full picture,” said Tom Grotewohl, Wakefield Township resident and founder of the Protect the Porkies campaign. “A great many more will no doubt retract their support for Copperwood when they take the time to question unfounded assumptions and really study the details of what’s being proposed.”

Despite the new letter being issued in July, the mining company, Highland Copper, listed NMU as a supporter as recently as Nov. 21 on its social media account on X.