Copper Mining possibly coming back in U.P. WAKEFIELD, MI (wnmu) - A deal has been made between the Keweenaw Land Association and Orvana Minerals Corporation, which could bring copper mining back to the U.P. Orvana, a Toronto-based mining company with operations in Bolivia, has entered a 20 year lease covering 771 acres just 19 miles southwest of the White Pine Mine. The mine shut down 12 years ago, effectively ending copper mining in the Upper Peninsula. Orvana Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Malcolm King says a new mine would boost employment in the region because there are so many jobs in mining and for every one job there are 5 to 6 spin-off jobs. King says it could take up to 4 years to start the mine. Officials expect the permit process to take up to a year, and an environmental study could take up to 2 years.
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