Resolution Regarding Mining in Pequaywan Township (2012)

Resolution 12-01-2012

WHEREAS, non-ferrous mining has always created major problems, caused the loss of jobs in the outdoor industry, created health issues in the surrounding areas, and devastated the environment and

WHEREAS, current funding formulas for the cleanup and proper closure of the mines have been insufficient at best and

WHEREAS, current mineral rights have been purposely designed to benefit the State of Minnesota and the private mining industry and do not properly address the rights of the property owner or owners

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Pequaywan board of supervisors, and the majority of residents and property owners, support the enactment of a “prove-it-first” law that requires proposed non-ferrous mines to prove they can operate safely through long-term operation and closure of similar mines elsewhere. That the Town of Pequaywan will support a new fully funded “non-public” assurance program that includes adequate funds to pay for any damages caused by operation and/or closure of the mine or mines, including any future environmental issues. That the Town of Pequaywan supports a new property owners law which is designed to protect said owners from intrusions by the State of Minnesota, for private businesses, and bring Minnesota into the 21st century regarding such issues.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Pequaywan board of supervisors, and the majority of residents and property owners, will only support the non-ferrous mining after the enactment of the “prove it first” law, new property owners rights legislation, and an updated fully funded “non-public” assurance program that covers all aspects of environmental damages and closure of the mine or mines without the use of government or taxpayer funds.

(Signed by Supervisors Mark Freeman, Scott Mead, and Rick Fry)