They tell me of the incredible start up costs, the duplication of efforts, the loss of continuity in programs and a long list of other problems that has made them very inefficient. Darrell Bazzell, the Secretary of DNR, has several statements that can give the DNR perspective. Jim Baumgart, Robert Wirch, Dave Hansen, Dale Schultz, and Robert Cowles. Each is very willing to hear from his constituents and other state residents about what you think of cyanide in mining. This includes the projected use of up to 200 tons each year of the toxic chemical at the Crandon mine, located at the headwaters of the Wolf River.
More background follows below.
Many rivers in the U.S. and around the world have been poisoned by cyanide from mine sites and transportation of cyanide to mines. The Rusk and Langlade County boards and a number towns and cities have already voted to support the ban. More than 11,000 residents have signed petitions supporting the cyanide ban. SB 160 and its Assembly companion bill, AB 95, would prohibit the use of cyanide and cyanide compounds in mining for metallic minerals and in processing metallic ore. Among those supporting the bill is the Forest County Potawatomi Community.