Skip to main content

Nonferrous metallic mining

Non-Ferrous Metallic mining
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Nonferrous metallic mining

Regulated by Part 632: Nonferrous Metallic Mining, of the Michigan Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) PA 451, as amended, nonferrous minerals are important economic minerals such as copper, nickel, zinc, gold, and silver. Some of these metals are very important globally for manufacturing, including production of green technologies such as electric vehicles and emission control catalysts.

Mining projects

  • Back Forty Mine Project (Menominee County)

    Mining permit status: Surrendered, not effective. 

  • Copperwood Mine (Gogebic County)

    Mining permit status: Issued, not effective.

  • Eagle Mine (Marquette County)

    Mining permit status: Issued, in effect. 

  • Humboldt Mill (Marquette County)

    Mining permit status: Issued, in effect.

  • White Pine North Mine Project (Ontonagon County)

    Mining permit status: Application not submitted. 

Understanding Part 632 nonferrous metallic mining regulations

Part 632 provides a sound regulatory framework for construction, operation, and reclamation of mining operations required for the safe and environmentally sustainable extraction of these metallic minerals. EGLE's Geologic Resources Management Division (GRMD) implements Part 632. The nonferrous metallic mining industry is also regulated by other environmental statutes and divisions within EGLE such as the Air Quality Division and Water Resources Division.

A Part 632 mining permit is not effective until all required permits have been obtained, and the permittee establishes financial assurance pursuant to the applicable statutes and rules. Various permits that may be required under NREPA are organized by the corresponding EGLE division below.

Geologic Resources Management Division (GRMD)

  • Part 632, Nonferrous Metallic Mineral Mining of the NREPA

Air Quality Division (AQD)

  • Part 55, Air Pollution Control, of the NREPA, Rule 201, Permit to Install (PTI)

Water Resources Division (WRD) 

  • Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the NREPA, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), & Groundwater Discharge Program
  • Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, of the NREPA (administered by the County unless covered under the Part 632 permit)
  • Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the NREPA
  • Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the NREPA
  • Part 315, Dam Safety, of the NREPA

Resources

A map of the nonferrous metallic 5 mining sites in Michigan's western upper peninsula Map of Part 632 nonferrous metallic mining permitted locations and projects. (click or tap to expand the image)

Contact information

Melanie Humphrey, HumphreyM@Michigan.gov or 906-250-7564.

Laws and Rules