The always controversial Crandon Mine is once again in the headlines. Gordon Connor, head of the Northern Wisconsin Resource Group, recently purchased the mine. State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, asked the Department of Natural Resources Monday to delay giving Connor a mining permit until they can clear up several questions.
Black expressed concern about safety, Connor's lack of experience with the mining industry and the possible use of cyanide, which can be potentially hazardous to the surrounding environment.
\This mine is in the headwaters of the Wolf River ... and would likely cause devastating pollution, not just to the Wolf River, but to surrounding lakes and wells,"" Black said.
The company that manages the mine will use 20 pounds of cyanide a month for 30 years, resulting in 15 million pounds used, according to Black. He said cyanide is traditionally used to process the ore found in mines and can be detrimental to the area.
Black expressed concern that Connor was not experienced enough to efficiently run the mine, citing that he is a logger and not a miner.
""He or his company has absolutely zero experience in mining, as far as anybody can tell,"" he said.
While DNR Secretary Scott Hassett said he agrees with the general idea of Black's proposal, he downplayed the importance of Connor's lack of professional knowledge of mines.
""I'm not sure it's [Connor's inexperience] that big an issue ... If he's an entrepreneur and he's making an investment the key is going to be who he hires. Those are the people who have to have the knowledge and expertise,"" he said.
Tom Krajewski, spokesperson for the Forest County Potawatomi, said he was still considering Black's proposal.
""He certainly raises some good questions in terms of the company's ability ... and in terms of experience and financial ability,"" he said.
Krajewski also noted the Potawatomi were opposed to the mining plans proposed by the mine's former owner, Nicolet Minerals, due to environmental concerns.
""The potential for cyanide spills and damage to ground water and surface water was just too great,"" he said.
Krajewski later went on to point out that the possibility of successful management of the mine still exists.
""At this point, we are skeptical of their ability to do that. We are looking forward to their release of plans which would indicate that they can do it safely,"" he said.
Connor and the Northern Wisconsin Research Group could not be reached to comment on the criticisms.
The mine has spurred controversy between Wisconsin entrepreneurs and environmentalists since ore was first discovered there in the 1970s.
