I strongly oppose the Michigan Strategic Fund using $50 million in taxpayer revenue to fund the proposed Copperwood Mine, right next to both Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains.

In addition to disrupting the area with noise and light pollution, subterranean blasting and heavy industrial traffic, they actually plan to mine underneath state park property. Copperwood would also be the closest metallic sulfide mine to Lake Superior in history, requiring the storage of 30-plus million tons of toxic waste on downward-sloping topography.

Copper is not even a “critical mineral,” meaning it’s not at risk of undersupply. And the research of Harvard economics professor James Stock, former advisor to Obama, shows that in 89% of cases, copper sulfide mining is a negative for jobs and income.

The Big Lake and the Porkies are collective resources, and no one should have the right to endanger them, least of all a foreign company which will board up shop in 10.7 years. In the end, the harms vastly outweigh the gains, and this is far too divisive of a project to merit taxpayer funding.

The MSF will vote as soon as March 26. All are encouraged to speak at the virtual meeting in defense of Michigan’s finest natural resources.