Dayton Impressed by Independent Review Tied to Michigan Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton has brought back ideas from a Michigan mine tour for building community confidence if a proposed copper-nickel operation is approved for northeastern Minnesota.

After touring the Upper Peninsula's Eagle Mine on Friday, Dayton said he was impressed by independent efforts to regularly review environmental issues and community relations surrounding the mine. He says the foundation that is detached from both state regulators and the mining company operates through a $300,000 annual payment the company must make.

The Eagle Mine is smaller than the PolyMet nonferrous mining project envisioned for Minnesota's Iron Range. An environmental study on PolyMet is expected in early November, with permitting decisions likely to come in 2016.

Dayton says he'll consider law changes next year to refine regulations if PolyMet is authorized.