Several archaeological studies were conducted on the project site, and the Back Forty Mine will not disturb any identified cultural resources. To ensure cultural resources are protected, we’ve created 30-meter buffer zones around established sites. Our permit also includes an Unanticipated Discovery Plan if cultural resources are encountered during operation. We are committed to respecting and protecting these significant cultural resources.

Proper reclamation of mine site is imperative. In the case of Back Forty, the pit will be filled in with waste rock from mining and all facilities on site will be removed. We will reclaim the site to a condition that is compatible with existing uses on adjacent properties. The tailings facility will be covered with a multi-layer composite system and revegetated. Revegetation will include indigenous species and native grasses. Post-closure monitoring will last until completion and approval of reclamation by the DEQ.

There will be approximately 250 positions needed during the mine construction period which will last roughly two years. When the mine opens, the operational period will employ approximately 240 full time jobs.

Types of employment the operation will require include: mobile equipment operators such as excavators, haul trucks, bulldozers, graders, loaders, and water trucks; engineers in fields such as environmental, mining, metallurgical, geological; process operators and support personnel; water treatment operators; maintenance personnel skilled in mobile equipment maintenance, mechanical, piping, electrical, welding, and instrumentation; safety professionals; security professionals; assay lab chemists, technicians, and sample preparation personnel; and administration personnel including clerks, accountants, payroll, accounts payable, warehousing.

Compensation will be based on skill level, experience, training, and education. The average wage of workers will be approximately $55,000 to $65,000 per year including benefits. More highly skilled positions could expect compensation packages commensurate with industry standards for Michigan and surrounding region.

In a typical year, it is estimated that we will pay over $20 million in taxes to federal, state, and local government. Initial federal taxes are estimated at $9 million, and state and local taxes are estimated at $11.6 million. Michigan’s severance tax policy requires mining companies to pay 2.75% tax. Of this, the local community receives 65% and the State of Michigan receives the rest.The state’s portion will be directed to the Rural Development Fund (“RDF”).

The RDF was created to support projects that address rural infrastructure and development efforts within the agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas production, and tourism industries.