MADISON, WI (WSAU) Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says he plans to sign a Republican-backed mining bill Monday afternoon in Rhinelander. The event will take place at Oldenburg Group Incorporated, a mining equipment maker.

A ceremonial signing will be held at a Milwaukee business later in the day.

The bill makes wide-ranging changes to the state’s mining regulations. It is aimed at re-starting Gogebic Taconite’s project to build an iron mine near Lake Superior.

Opponents say the mine will create devastating pollution problems in a pristine area of Wisconsin. Supporters point out the mine will create thousands of jobs for a region in desperate need of economic help.