Gogebic County commissioners adopt resolution supporting Copperwood Mine despite public opposition

The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Feb. 12 to adopt a resolution supporting Highland Copper’s Copperwood Mine project and a Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant despite several members of the public urging the board not to back the proposal.

During the meeting’s public-comment period, residents raised environmental and economic concerns. Ed Lackner said he had concerns about the project; Michael McGrath warned of potential impacts on tourism; Eleanor Bolich and Joseph Miller asked the board not to support the mine; Carly Reil raised questions about effects on local fresh water. Karrie Biron, general counsel for the LVD Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, read a letter outlining the tribe’s concerns with the Copperwood Mine project.

Following a presentation on project progress by Mike Foley, commissioners voted on a resolution of support for the Copperwood Mine Project and the MEDC grant. The motion (moved by Mr. Yon, supported by Mr. Cayer) carried on a roll-call vote: seven votes in favor, zero opposed. The minutes record no amendments to the resolution and show the board adopted the action as presented.

The meeting record does not provide the full text of the letter read by the tribe or details of the MEDC grant; the county did not record any conditions or follow-up steps tied to the resolution in the minutes. Public commenters urged the board to consider environmental, cultural and tourism impacts before proceeding; the minutes record those concerns but do not show a formal response by commissioners beyond the vote.

The board’s action was taken during the regular meeting at the Gogebic County Courthouse in Bessemer and appears on the minutes as a formal resolution of support.