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NMU board, Tessman supported

To the Journal editor:

I am writing in response to the front page news article titled “U.P. Legislators oppose NMU’s change of support of the Copperwood Mine Project.”

I applaud Dr. Tessman and the Board of Trustees for removing their support from the mine project. Copperwood Resources, a local subsidiary of Highland Copper of Quebec, has zero on-paper mining experience. I repeat, Copperwood Resources has zero on-paper mining experience.

This, coupled with the fact that mines create a short-term boom and bust economy for local regions (just look at any small U.P. town that once boomed from mining), the choice by Dr. Tessman and the Board of Trustees shows an understanding of mutual responsibility for stewardship of our beloved land in the U.P.

I am ashamed of our representatives suggesting that it is “beneath the dignity” (state Sen. John DeMoose) of Northern Michigan University to rescind support. NMU made this decision with respect to the voices and concerns of U.P. residents and NMU students, staff and faculty.

Copperwood is a short-term project and sulfide mine that would wreak havoc on water and land resources right next to one of our state’s greatest treasures — the Porcupine Mountains.

As a Yooper born and raised and proud of it, I commend NMU for a sustainable, long-term U.P.-minded decision.

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