| The Flambeau copper/gold mine, located just south of
Ladysmith, Wisconsin, is owned by Kennecott Minerals Company. The site has been
reclaimed and post-closure monitoring is in progress. The copper/gold mine began
production in 1993 and mining was completed in 1997. Reclamation consisted of
returning the mine site to approximate original contours – creating over 10
acres of high quality wetlands and a 130-acre prairie ecosystem that includes
native grasses and wildflowers. A four-mile public hiking trail system has been
constructed for community use. Approximately 30 acres are being used by the
Ladysmith Community Industrial Development Corporation to provide sustainable
business opportunities for the local area. Kennecott will monitor and report on
the successful reclamation project for 40 years. |
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Flambeau operations during mining
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The copper/gold mine during reclamation
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Mine site following reclamation
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Photograph of the prairie ecosystem
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