Exploration for precious metals in Wisconsin is advancing, as GreenLight Wisconsin prepares to drill in Taylor County, targeting copper, gold, and other valuable resources.
The mining company has received conditional approval from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to proceed with drilling up to 20 exploratory holes across 15 sites. This exploration focuses on the Bend deposit near Medford. However, the company must adhere to 25 specific conditions, which include updated stormwater and dewatering permits and securing a wetlands permit for three of the drilling sites.
Before drilling begins, GreenLight Wisconsin must also obtain federal approval from the U.S. Forest Service, provide an updated bond valued at $185,000, and give a minimum of 48-hour notice to the agency. While these conditions are not yet fulfilled, the company expects to meet them soon. “We’re anticipating that’s going to be coming here any day, and that will put us in a position to start mobilizing to the site,” stated Steve Donohue, a director on the company’s board.
The Bend deposit is estimated to contain approximately 4.2 million tons of ore, rich in copper-bearing sulfides, alongside notable gold and minor silver deposits. The mineral rights for the site, owned by the U.S. Forest Service, are leased from the Soo Line Railroad. GreenLight plans to drill holes up to 2,600 feet deep within a 40-acre parcel previously explored last summer, occupying less than three acres.
Molly Gardner, the DNR’s metallic mining coordinator, emphasized the importance of thorough oversight: “We’ll continue that same level of inspection and site presence, which is a lot more than most construction projects. This is an important project, and we want to make sure it’s done correctly.”
GreenLight is required to mitigate erosion risks and minimize impacts on rare species during operations, while ensuring comprehensive documentation of their endeavors. Although a wetlands permit has yet to be submitted, Donohue mentioned it would be dependent on the site’s conditions.
Environmental and tribal groups have voiced concerns over potential ecological impacts, particularly regarding drilling activities in wetland areas. They stress the importance of conducting operations on frozen ground to prevent environmental harm. Additionally, the Friends of the Yellow River expressed worries about water withdrawals affecting aquatic life, as the company plans to utilize up to 4,500 gallons daily from the North Branch of the Yellow River.
Despite these concerns, GreenLight insists on minimizing wetland impacts and is exploring alternative water sources if necessary. Their expanded drilling program, with a budget exceeding $1 million, is projected to last four to six weeks.
Separately, GreenLight is pursuing a larger-scale project to drill 500 acres of federally owned land, requiring a prospecting permit from the Bureau of Land Management. This initiative is slated for late spring, contingent on approvals.
GreenLight Wisconsin will host an open house at 5:30 p.m. on February 11 at Lake 11 Brewing in Medford to discuss their plans with the public.
