That the people who own and operate the Tilden Mine in National Mine are seriously considering expansion of the site must be considered very good news to the economic health of the region.

And that environmental groups, notably the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition, are keeping a close eye on all of this, must be considered equally very good news, given the impact such expansions can cause.

According to a Mining Journal story on the matter, the expansion would 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.

UPEC, which accurately notes that the expansion is not been approved, worries that wild animals make their homes in the 77 acres that will be impacted. Specifically, the group talked about beaver that have been dwelling in Grass Lake, wolves that inhabit the Ely Creek corridor and bald eagles.

Cliffs responded that “(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.”

We support this expansion for all of the obvious reasons but having it at the expense of the environment is unacceptable.

With modern abatement techniques, we trust Cliffs and the environmental groups involved will find an appropriate way forward.