Surface Activity

The Birch Lake Project will differ from open pit mining that’s familiar to Minnesotans.  First, since the mines will be underground, the surface impact will be much smaller. 

While the Lake occupies over 7000 acres, by comparison, each mine’s surface footprint will be less than 5 acres.  Each site will include a headframe structure and a main production shaft (approximately 7 – 8 yards diameter) with elevator access to the underground workings.  There will also be shafts for utilities and ventilation as well as to serve as an emergency second exit .  Perhaps half a dozen small buildings on each site will house offices, change rooms, maintenance operations, HVAC and infrastructure equipment and storage.  Road access already exists and parking needs will not be extensive. 

Within its boundaries, the Project will also include a processing plant on about 30 acres, probably near the Birch Lake site, and the tailings disposal facilities which, over the life of the mine, could occupy some 600 acres that will be re-vegetated during operation and upon closure.

Most of the recreation in the vicinity is close to Babbitt and Ely, miles away from Bob Bay.  There are no cabins or development in the vicinity and even from the water of the  Bay, the surface activities related to mining should not be intrusive.  At Maturi there are recreational amenities and Franconia plans to mitigate any surface impacts from mining operations.