NORTHERN MARQUETTE COUNTY -- It's the first time since last year that folks got an opportunity to see what's new at Rio Tinto's Kennecott Eagle Mine.
Communications Advisor Daniel Blondeau says compared to last year, a majority of buildings and facilities are built and operational.
"People have heard a lot about the mines over the years. They read things in the media and never actually get to see the mine. People have a much different perspective, a much better idea of what's going on up here if they come up here and see it for themselves," said Blondeau.
At the temporary ore storage building, the group had an orientation and history briefing.
One of the main concerns is how untreated water is released back into the environment. So the group headed down to the water treatment plant where they walked through the filtering process. At the contact water basin, water that comes in contact with mining activity gets treated. It's either reused or discharged after proper treatment.
Next stop, the truck wash, where every vehicle that crosses the mine gets washed down. From there is a drive around the site to see where blasted rocks get stored, all leading to the black portal--the entrance of the mine. It's still under construction but expected to be done by next year.
Mining should start in 2014.
"During operations, we (Rio Tinto) have 257 people with a 75 percent hire goal. Right now during construction, we don't have the local hire goal. We are at 63 percent; we would like to make it to 75 percent during construction," Blondeau said.
Tours will continue through September on Fridays and Saturdays. It's also free to the public.
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