GOGEBIC COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) board, a part of Michigan’s Economic Development Corporation, approved a $50 million Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) performance-based grant for Copperwood Resources, Inc., a subsidiary of Highland Copper, for the construction of the Copperwood Mine in Wakefield and Ironwood townships in Gogebic County.
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $425 million and create 380 high-wage, family-sustaining jobs in the Western Upper Peninsula. When completed, the Copperwood Mine would help supply copper material critical to the mobility and cleantech industries, bringing the supply chain home to Michigan.
“We are thankful to Gov. Whitmer and the hard-working team at MEDC for their relentless efforts and support,” said Highland Copper CEO Barry O’Shea. “The aligned attention to detail and carefulness from the State of Michigan and its departments will help drive a successful and safe project for Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Additionally, I would like to thank the many stakeholders from the Western U.P. and extended community for the overwhelming amount of support we have received for this project. It has been very humbling to do business in Michigan.”
According to an economic impact study by Public Sector Consultants, the operation is projected to provide more than $15 million per year in local, county, state, and federal revenue and increase business spending across the state by more than $130 million annually. To date, some 19 local units of government, ranging from townships to county boards, have issued resolutions of support, and nearly 10 local institutions, including Northern Michigan University, have submitted letters of support.
“Copper has rightly been listed as a critical material as it is imperative in today’s world,” said InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante. “Highland Copper’s Copperwood Mine is equally critical because of its economic impact to the western U.P. communities that need the nearly 400 family-sustaining jobs the mine will bring. Further, Highland Copper’s commitment to Michigan’s stringent mining standards ensures this economic benefit doesn’t come at the expense of the environment we cherish in the Upper Peninsula. This opportunity is only possible because of the incredible leadership from Governor Whitmer, MEDC CEO Quentin Messer and his team, as well as the advocacy of the U.P. legislative delegation, especially Senator McBroom.”
“I would like to thank the MEDC for funding this project in the Western UP,” said state Representative Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock). “The UP was built on mining. We produced the raw materials that fueled the Industrial Revolution. For far too long, we have outsourced our resource production to countries with far inferior workplace safety standards and environmental protections. We have a great opportunity, and I’m glad we are moving forward with this project.”
“The western end of the UP has suffered greatly as the state neglected its duties and promises- most recently with the closure of Ojibway and the job losses that have come unabated. As Senator Joe Mack said, ‘Employment, development, economy: Those are the good days for the Upper Peninsula,’” said state Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan). “The news about Highland signals a new day for prosperity for the U.P., especially the long down-trodden western end. Thank you to the MSF for making this decision to upgrade the necessary infrastructure and allow the Highland Copper project to get people working.”
“For over a decade, Wakefield Township has been involved with and fully supports Highland Copper and their continuing efforts in creating a fully permitted, safe mining operation within our township and neighboring Ironwood Township,” said Wakefield Township Supervisor Mandy Lake. “The proposed Copperwood Mine brings hope to our surrounding communities to have a sustainable future in the Western Upper Peninsula. We look forward to continuing our partnership to help them provide an essential copper resource, which will help boost our local economy and support Michigan’s initiatives for a bright and booming future through EVs and clean energy. Wakefield Township is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Highland Copper, MEDC, and MSF, to help mining return to the Gogebic Range.”
“The history of mining on the Gogebic Range defines who we are. We are extremely grateful to Copperwood Resources and to everyone involved in the process to get us this far,” said Ironwood Township Supervisor Jay Kangas. “The community is ready and willing to continue the work to bring this transformational project to Ironwood and Wakefield townships. To bring an environmentally sound copper mine to the Upper Peninsula once more will not only revitalize our regional economy, but it will lessen our state and national dependence on the foreign supply of copper. The legacy the mining industry created remains strong.”
“Safe and responsible mining is a lifeblood in this region, so the addition of the Copperwood Mine to enhance our economy is significant,” said Gogebic County Commissioner Joe Bonovetz. “As Michigan continues to make investments in EVs and clean energy, copper will become increasingly necessary to create those products. Having the mine in our backyard makes a compelling case for future investments and as a place to call home, and we are eager to see that come to life.”
