The State of Minnesota was made by mining. While we also got a lot of our early economic start from forestry - the MAJORITY of our early financing was possible through the mineral deposits in the Iron Range. While we played out the purest form of the iron deposits a while ago (we don't dig pure iron ore out of the ground anymore - rather we produce taconite) there is still the opportunity for plenty of mining in the northern part of the state.

These three articles look at the mining and different sides of that mining. Take a look at the same issues as last week - the geologic, the economic, and the social issues - and apply them to these articles. One last question - is there any bias in these articles?

"Minnesota's Next Mining Boom has picturesque Ely Divided" June 2013 Minneapolis Star Tribune

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/211709631.html

"Nickel Mining Divides Ely Residents" May 2013 MPR Dan Kraker

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/05/31/environment/ely-copper-nickel-mining

Poly Met Copper Mine in Northeastern Minnesota gets Cautious EPA Approval

http://www.startribune.com/local/250138951.html