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Mining in Michigan

A group of EGLE staff standing in front of large mining equipment
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Mining in Michigan

The Department of EGLE, Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division (OGMD) regulates several mining industries in Michigan including, metallic mining, native copper mining, sand dune mining, and coal mining. The OGMD enforces regulations which address issues such as transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of ore, waste rock, and plans for mining and reclamation. The mining industries are also regulated by other environmental statutes and divisions within the EGLE such as Air Quality Division and Water Resources Division.

There are also several other important mineral commodities such as gypsum, dimension stone, limestone, and aggregate (gravel pits) that are mined in Michigan but are not regulated by the OGMD. These industries, although not requiring a mining permit from the OGMD, may be subject to federal, state, or local air, water, or land use permits.

Upper Peninsula Geological Repository Sign

Upper Peninsula Geological Repository

The Upper Peninsula Geological Repository (UPGR) is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near the Sawyer International Airport in Gwinn, Michigan. The collection is enclosed within a 44,000 square foot warehouse and holds drill core and cuttings with an emphasis on Northern Peninsula Geology.