WHAT'S NEW
Aug 20, 2007:
Duluth Complex projects build up resources LEARN MORE
Jul 31, 2007:
Babbitt, Minn. / Large metal deposits draw mine developers LEARN MORE
Jul 29, 2007:
Water not a barrier in exploration for minerals LEARN MORE
MORE ON THE PROJECT
Birch Lake Project
Birch Lake FAQs The Iron RangeMining Heritage Our Mission Statement
When Will the Birch Lake Project Be Built and Begin Operation?
Before the Birch Lake Project can begin engineering, design and construction, Franconia Minerals is required to complete extensive planning, studying, testing and permitting. The process for getting a Permit to Mine issued is tightly regulated by state and federal agencies. Franconia will move through this procedure in a controlled, careful manner, to ensure ample time for public input and to assure that human health and welfare, and the environment, are protected.
Pre-Feasibility Study |
In progress |
Surface water, groundwater data collection |
Q3 2007 and beyond |
Waste characterization |
Q3 2007 – Q1 2009 |
Wildlife, endangered species, wetlands, cultural resource, socio economic and other studies |
In progress |
Ongoing Drilling at Birch Lake |
Complete current surface drill program, Q3 2007 |
Increase confidence in current resource estimate from inferred to indicated |
Q3 2007 |
Scoping Studies |
Q4 2007 & Q1, Q2 2008 |
Drilling at Maturi |
Q4 2007 & Q1, Q2 2008 |
Collect Samples for Bench Scale Metallurgy at Maturi |
2007-2008 |
Metallurgical and Flotation Testing |
Q1, Q2 2008 |
Design and Engineering |
Mid-2008 |
Combined Flotation and Platsol Bench Scale Testing |
Q3 2008 |
Feasibility Study |
Mid-2009 |
Environmental Impact Statement |
Mid-2008 – 2010 |
Official Public Meetings, during EIS/Permit scoping |
After EIS draft published |
Feasibility Study |
Mid 2009 |
Permit to Mine |
2010 |
Construction |
2010 – mid-2011 |
Mine Operation |
Mid-2011 |
Closure |
Between 2036 and maybe as late as 2060 or beyond |
FREE DVD
Click here to get a FREE DVD of the Birch Lake Project story Click for your DVD
PUBLIC FORUMS
More information and schedules will be available soon. Please check back
STAKEHOLDERS' COMMENTS
In our effort to establish a constructive dialogue regarding the Birch Lake Project with citizens, groups and organizations, Franconia welcomes all communications. This sampling of comments and responses is representative of the email, mail, and phone calls we have received. Please contact us to submit your input and questions.