Gogebic to test drill at proposed mine site

MELLEN, Wis. — Gogebic Taconite is expected to begin test drilling at its proposed iron ore mine in northwestern Wisconsin by the end of next month.

Gogebic president Bill Williams says the company plans to bore 13 holes at the four-mile site in Ashland and Iron counties. It would be the first work for Gogebic since the state mining law was passed earlier this month.

Department of Natural Resources mining regulator Ann Coakley says state inspectors will check the locations where the company wants to drill to gauge the potential environmental impact.

Williams tells the Journal Sentinel the company is also expected to dig up large quantities of rock later this year for analysis. The new law says an applicant has to wait a year after the rock analysis to submit a mining application.