MISSION

To safely build a modern mine where employees are empowered to make certain that our operation is protective of the environment, socially engaged, and proactive in the economic development of the communities where we work, live, and play – building capacity that lasts well beyond the life of mine.

VISION

To become a world-class mining operation that protects and minimizes impacts to our environment, promotes sustainable benefit for communities and stakeholders, and inspires commitment to a safe, injury-free workplace for all workers, every day.

VALUES

  • Safety
  • Environment/Social Responsibility
  • Personal Commitment
  • Transparency
  • Leadership
  • Focus on Results
  • Ownership
Back Forty miners talking

history

Back Forty Mine is Gold Resource Corporation’s 100%-owned, permitting-stage gold and zinc rich mine located in Menominee County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Zinc and copper minerals were discovered in 1999 when a local landowner had a water well deepened. Early in 2002, exploration drilling resulted in the discovery of the deposit. Subsequent drilling in 2002-03 and 2006-08, totaling over 252,625 feet, helped define numerous closely spaced zones of significant zinc-gold-copper-silver mineralization. Over the past 20 years, Gold Resource Corporation-Aquila Resources USA, Inc.. and various joint venture partners, including INCO and Hudbay Minerals, have invested more than $95 million exploring and advancing Back Forty.

The mine is scheduled to start a two-year construction phase by 2023. Operations are estimated to run for twelve-fourteen years.

history

Back Forty is Aquila’s 100%-owned zinc and gold mine located in Menominee County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Zinc and copper minerals were discovered in 2001 when a local landowner was having a new water well installed.  Early in 2002, exploration drilling resulted in the discovery of the deposit. Subsequent drilling in 2002-03 and 2006-08 totaling over 252,625 feet

drill core sample

helped define numerous closely spaced zones of significant zinc-gold-copper-silver mineralization. Over the past 18 years, Aquila and various joint venture partners, including INCO and Hudbay Minerals, have invested more than $90 million exploring and advancing Back Forty.

The mine is expected to commence operations in 2023.

meet our local team

David Anderson
General Manager

Dave has more than 30 years of experience in permitting, environmental monitoring, impact assessment, and regulatory affairs. Most recently, Dave was our Director of Environment and Permitting.  Previously,  he held the position of Director of Environment for Highland Copper’s Copperwood project and developed the project from exploration, through completion of feasibility and permitting.

Dave also brings years of legislative and government affairs experience in mining regulation and mining tax reform. He has served on numerous state, tribal and federal committees and worked with regional NGO’s in shaping conservation policy, protection of water resources and environmental remediation. Dave earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Northland College with an emphasis in policy and law.

Developing a world class gold/zinc mine takes a lot of time, but when Dave manages to squeeze in some free time, he loves to hunt and fish. Dave believes the U.P. is the best place in the world to raise a family.  Originally from Ontonagon, Michigan, Dave now calls Lake Township his home.

Dana Dziedzic  
Office Manager

Dana joined the Back Forty team as Community Coordinator in 2018.  In February of 2020, she was promoted to the role of Government-Community Relations Advisor. In October of 2021, Dana also assumed the duties of the Finance & Human Resources Manager. With the transition of the accounting and human resources departments to our corporate office, Dana now serves the company as the Office Manager for the Stephenson office.

Dana brings 15 years of experience as an educator of economics, American government, technology and world/American history. Prior to her teaching career, Dana worked in both the financial and healthcare fields. She currently serves on the Menominee County Intermediate School District Board as the Vice President.

Dana holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Dana also earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University.

In her free time, Dana enjoys traveling, reading, swimming, gardening, and has recently taken up pickleball. Dana grew up and has lived most of her life in Menominee County, Michigan.

Daniel Dziedzic 
Health & Safety / Security/ Facilities Director

Dan brings over 35 years of experience in emergency response, safety training, and maintenance to Back Forty.  Initially hired as our Facilities Manager, Dan’s role expanded after the completion of professional development coursework to become trained in MIOSHA regulations.  In the role of Health and Safety Director, Dan manages the development of occupational health and safety strategies, systems, and procedures to ensure they are in line with corporate and state requirements and consistent at each company location. He is also responsible for the development and implementation of health and safety best practices training sessions for all team members. Under his watch, Gold Resource Corporation-Aquila Resources USA, Inc. – Back Forty Mine has not had any reportable, or even recordable, loss time incidents. 

Dan has been a licensed Mechanical Contractor for more than 25 years  Dan also served in the United States Army’s Military Intelligence Corps for six years as an Electronic Warfare Intercept Repairer.  He has earned certifications in Firefighter Level I & II and Fire Officer Level I for the State of Michigan.

In Dan’s free time, he likes to hunt, go camping, ride motorcycle, make maple syrup, and garden.  When asked why he returned to the U.P. after serving in the military, Dan responded: “Even though there were not a lot of opportunities for work at the time, the U.P. is still a great place to raise a family.  The people who live here have a strong work ethic and will help out their community members when there is a need.  I am also not a fan of hot weather, so the U.P. is the place to be.”

Michael Foley 
Director of Environment & Infrastructure

Mike has 32 years of experience as a Civil Engineer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Wisconsin. Over the last several years, he served as a Senior Project Manager for Coleman Engineering Company (“Coleman”), where he had been the lead contact for a number of mining, industrial, utility and municipal clients. With Coleman, Mike was instrumental in working with the mining consulting team on the Copperwood Mining Project to obtain a variety of regulatory permits for both Orvana Resources and Highland Copper.

Prior to being employed by Coleman, Mike worked on seeing numerous projects through to construction completion for local units of government and counties, as well as working as the Operations Manager for a hot mixed asphalt contractor. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, with an Environmental emphasis, from Michigan Technological University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in both Michigan and Wisconsin.

One of Mike’s passions includes field crop farming.  He raises and harvests hay, wheat, oats, and soybeans.  Mike also enjoys woodworking, metal fabricating, and like most Yoopers, hunting and fishing.

health and safety

We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our employees, our communities, and the environment.  

From the beginning, “Zero Harm” has been our goal and will continue to be as the development of the Back Forty Mine continues. Ensuring that every employee and contractor goes home safely at the end of the day to their family, that is what matters most.

Multiple agencies will oversee our operations throughout the life of the mine. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is responsible for administration and enforcement of the mining regulation requirements. During construction, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MiOSHA) will provide health and safety oversight. Once the Back Forty Mine is operating, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will assume enforcement functions from MiOSHA.

contact us

Back Forty MineE807 Gerue Street Stephenson, Michigan 49887(906) 753-9602 | info@GRC-USA.comOnline Response Form: Click hereCommunity Inquires: (906) 753-9602