OPENING A CLEAR AND EQUITABLE DIALOGUE ON THE ISSUE OF MINING IN MICHIGAN’S KEWEENAW PENINSULA

The long mining history in Michigan’s Keweenaw leaves a shadow of environmental issues which are threatening to some residents; others see mining as a hope for needed jobs. With approximately 200 million tons of copper in the Keweenaw, recent exploration by Highland Copper Company Inc. has triggered urgent public interest. As Earth scientists we recognize that mining is a necessity, as is the need to do so in an environmentally responsible manner. The general public needs to know more about Earth science in order to make informed decisions for a sustainable and high quality future. How can universities better communicate geoscience information? We wish to gain insight into what the general public knows about mining (environmental concerns, mining practices, economic benefits) and what their attitudes are toward mining in this region (do people want this? why or why not?).

Methodologies include a survey administered to the general public by random sample that addresses what the public knows about mining; this will be followed by semi-structured interviews with select respondents in order to deepen understanding of attitudes toward mining and the way place attachment may affect peoples’ position and decisions on land use issues. Additional data will be generated from an open discussion at a public meeting organized specifically to discuss concerns and misconceptions identified throughout this process. We wish to use this data to open a clear, genuine and equitable dialogue to discuss the issue of mining in our community. Understanding misconceptions, concerns, and attitudes toward mining among all stakeholders involved is critical in order to guide and develop open channels of communication within the Keweenaw community.