State Rep. Beau LaFave, of Iron Mountain, and State Rep. Greg Markkanen, of Hancock, today announced that a plan to support the mining industry has cleared a major hurdle.

The plan, House Bill 4227, establishes a commission to help increase mining opportunities in Michigan. The legislation is a product of the Upper Peninsula’s state representatives working together to bring policies that work for the region’s economy and residents.

“Our core mining industry has been hampered by a lack of coordination among stakeholders, regulators and communities, and I look forward to the implementation of a committee to put an end to those roadblocks,” Markkanen said. “This advisory committee would help us bridge the gap and bring more quality jobs to our communities.”

LaFave noted that this plan next goes to the Senate for approval before it reaches the governor’s desk.

“Through bipartisan cooperation, we have an opportunity to grow this important industry right here in Michigan. Mining is both part of our Upper Peninsula history and crucial for making our modern lifestyle possible,” LaFave said. “From the raw materials for infrastructure projects to the minerals needed to build computers and cell phones, we count on mines for these resources. This advisory committee is intended to bolster this important industry, protect our natural resources and keep our workers and communities safe.”

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 overwhelmingly by the House, 107-1, and next moves to the Senate for consideration.