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Domination by the Sierra Club is well on it's way when the local media refuses to report on legitimate skepticism. Remember that Bobby.

That out of the way, mining companies no longer contribute positively to the communities where they operate. Oh yes, they place their management people on commissions, committees and even city councils and town boards. But not in an effort to work toward a more wholesome community for all. It's more to have a finger on the pulse of affairs in the community, where they can apply pressure to dissuade measures they are not fond of and generally to keep an eye on local government and it's effects on their desire to operate free of control.

Virginia's troubles began in the mid 70's, about the time of the taconite (and forest products too) boom in construction. Virginia had the opportunity to have a Holiday Inn, but the council at the time protected the demand of the downtown bar owners to not grant a liquor license off Chestnut Street. Then came a once in a century lifetime to have two high quality housing developments in the Midway area. Local real estate agents and slumlords objected to these developments, so the council voted them down. The city commissions at the time were chock full of U.S. Steel management personnel, so no help came from there. With time, the bar owners and slumlords made a ton of money during the boom, they cashed out, leaving both the taverns and remaining housing units in a horrible state of repair. The downtown died, and continues to die today. The next casualty will be the hospital, which the commission's vote, was sold to Essential Health which is the medical health partner of the mining companies. What that means is if you have a claim for injury against a mining company, good luck getting your Essentia doctor to testify on your behalf (in the interest of the patient). Essentia's legal staff will back the mining company.

Are readers getting the story? PolyMet has too many former U.S. Steel managers on the payroll. The probability of them following environmental regulations to the letter of the law is bleak to non-existant. The probability of them following labor laws, such as harassment (see the case of the women at Eveleth Taconite), Americans with Disabilities Act or other EEOC guidelines willfully is non-existant. Don't expect communities and schools to prosper much from this operation.

I feel differently about Twin Metals. From what I understand from reliable sources, their management team is more community oriented. They will have no problems obeying the letter of the law as well as the intent of the law. When it comes to containing the sulfides in the ore, at this time, they look to be trustworthy. I think we should give them a chance to interface will all of us and determine if they will let the community participate in their business operations. I think Ely will look better if these folks get their operation off the ground.