WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wants more information before deciding on a mining proposal in the eastern part of Marathon County.
A report from the Wausau Pilot and Review says the DNR sent a letter to Green Light Metals asking for multiple clarifications. The letter says the company’s application includes conflicting information about activities near wetlands, impacts on topsoil, water sources that might be used during drilling, whether timber in the area would be sold, and whether operations would be stopped between the winter freeze and thaw.
Green Light Metals purchased Aquilla, which owned the mineral rights to a gold deposit in the Town of Easton. A decade ago 35 exploratory boreholes were drilled, but the project did not move forward.
The current proposal would likely be an open pit mine.
Many area residents have expressed opposition to the mining proposal over environmental concerns.
It’s unclear when the DNR will make its decision.
