The director of Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced he agreed to sell $4.5 million of land to Graymont Inc. for the development of a limestone mining operation in the eastern Upper Peninsula, reports The Herald.
Graymont wants to obtain 2,614 acres through purchases or swaps and also wants to purchase 7,026 acres of state-owned mineral rights.
Environmentalists and others oppose the deal, saying the mine would damage natural resources, while others say the mine will create jobs and boost the economy.
The DNR plans to work with Graymont to complete the sale of the 1,781 acres it wants to buy, says The Herald.
“Graymont will identify specific lands to be offered in exchange for the 830-acre parcel,” says spokesman Bill O’Neill in a statement. “These parcels will be thoroughly reviewed by DNR staff and will be available for public review and comment prior to the director making a decision about the acceptance of these parcels.”
According to The Herald, the proposed mine will be on a 10,360-acre site in northern Mackinac County. Also, Graymont agreed to pay the state 30 cents per ton of limestone it mines.
