The Kennecott Flambeau Mining Company began copper production from a small, but rich, open pit mine near Ladysmith, Wisconsin, in 1993. Mine closure and reclamation work is nearing completion, to be followed by an extensive revegetation.
Reclamation includes backfilling of the pit.
The backfilled rock is being returned to its approximate original sequences of extraction, based upon geologic characteristics. Ninety percent of the mine site will be replanted as grassland and trees with a wetland. Site monitoring will continue for five to six years, and groundwater quality will be monitored for 40 years. Flambeau's administration and laboratory building, and railspur was leased to the local Ladysmith Industrial Development Corporation.