Overview of Permitting Process: Introduction

As directed by the State Legislature, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has written administrative rules to establish procedures and standards for the comprehensive regulation of metallic mineral mining. Before a metallic mining permit can be issued an applicant must demonstrate that the proposed project will comply with all environmental laws, protect sensitive lands and habitat, protect public health, safety and welfare, propose an effective reclamation plan, comply with local zoning laws, and demonstrate a benefit to the local economy.

The Department requires that an applicant submit the following documents in order to qualify for a metallic mining permit:

• Mining Permit Application (which includes a mining plan, reclamation plan, monitoring plan and contingency plan and an irrevocable trust agreement proposal)
• Feasibility Report for any proposed mining waste facilities
• Environmental Impact Report
• All necessary additional permit applications

Information contained within these documents characterizes the natural, physical and chemical environment surrounding the project site, and serves as a foundation which the Department will use to analyze potential impacts from the proposed mining operation. If necessary, the Department can request that additional data be submitted. A well-defined project enables the Department to determine if the mine would meet the applicable requirements, thus ensuring that the natural resources and surrounding environment are protected to the extent possible.

Generally the permitting process can be divided into three steps: applicant submittal, regulatory review and impact analysis, and issuance or denial of the necessary permits and approvals.

Once all of the documents and permit applications are received, the Department must first determine if the submitted material is in compliance with the laws and regulations. Second, the Department must analyze the potential impacts from the proposed project, consider potential alternatives and publish an environmental impact statement (EIS). Then, through a contested case hearing (or master hearing), a decision can be made on all necessary permits and approvals. Throughout the process there are many opportunities for public comment.

In summary, the permitting process can be summarized by utilizing the following flow charts:

• Overview of metallic mining permitting process: applicant submittal (PDF, 60KB)
• Overview of metallic mining permitting process: Department review (PDF, 53KB)