House Committee approves plan to bolster mining industry

State Rep. Beau LaFave, of Iron Mountain, and State Rep. Greg Markkanen, of Hancock, today voiced their support for a plan that would create an advisory committee to study the future of minerals mining in Michigan.

“Mining is one of our core industries here in the U.P. but the industry is hampered by a lack of coordination among stakeholders, regulators and communities,” Markkanen said. “This advisory committee would help us bridge the gap and bring quality jobs to the U.P. and grow our economy.”

LaFave noted that this plan, House Bill 4227, was a product of the representatives of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula working together to bring policies that work to residents.

“Mining is not only a part of the Upper Peninsula’s rich history, it makes our modern lifestyle possible – from the raw materials for infrastructure and roads to minerals needed to build computers and cell phones – and this advisory committee is intended to build this important industry without threatening natural resources and or compromising the safety of workers and communities, LaFave said. “It’s crucial we make sure our state government works for Yooper families.”

The proposal would create a two year, fifteen-member advisory committee charged with developing recommendations to:

• Evaluate government policies that affect the mining and minerals industries.
• Develop public policy strategies to enhance the growth of the mining industry.
• Advise and bolster partnerships between industry,  institutions,  funding groups, environmental groups and state and federal agencies.

The plan was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee and next moves to the Ways & Means Committee for further consideration.