community engagement
For Back Forty Mine, it is essential that we have good relationships with people and businesses in the areas in which we operate, and to be respectful in our presence here. We believe that being an active participant in the community allows us to share responsibility for the community’s well-being.
Our team understands that we must engage with our stakeholders to identify issues that matter most to them, and also to learn how they judge and view us. Stakeholder engagement enables us to determine the actions and outcomes of stakeholders – internal and external — expect of us as a responsible company.
In the simplest terms, people want to know what we stand for and why. They also expect to see meaningful actions behind our words: results, outcomes, and impact from our efforts.
We don’t just measure our success concerning exploration and discovery, but also regarding our efforts toward contributing to the growth and stability of the area we call home. We are grateful for all the opportunities to interact with the public, keeping community members informed and engaged in our activities.
community engagement
For Back Forty Mine, it is essential that we have good relationships with people and businesses in the areas in which we operate, and to be respectful in our presence here. We believe that being an active participant in the community allows us to share responsibility for the community’s well-being.
Our team understands that we must engage with our stakeholders to identify issues that matter most to them, and also to learn how they judge and view us. Stakeholder engagement enables us to determine the actions and outcomes of stakeholders – internal and external — expect of us as a responsible company.
In the simplest terms, people want to know what we stand for and why. They also expect to see meaningful actions behind our words: results, outcomes, and impact from our efforts.
We don’t just measure our success concerning exploration and discovery, but also regarding our efforts toward contributing to the growth and stability of the area we call home. We are grateful for all the opportunities to interact with the public, keeping community members informed and engaged in our activities.
charitable donations
Back Forty Mine wants to build strong, open, and transparent relationships with the local community. We strive to make a positive difference for residents by seeking to improve social and economic circumstances through meaningful contributions, support, and development of local programs.
Strong communities, quality education, a healthy environment and a vibrant local economy are all important to us. Our Community Contribution program aims to support areas the community has identified as important, where there are pressing community needs and where we can have a meaningful impact without creating dependency.
economic impact
The Back Forty Mine will provide significant benefits for the communities in Lake Township, Menominee County, the surrounding region, as well as the State of Michigan. When fully operational, we will create a significant number of new, full-time jobs. An economic impact study by the University of Minnesota-Duluth estimates that there will be more than 264 permanent, direct jobs with an annual payroll of approximately $10 million. During construction, a total of 350 workers will be needed to build the infrastructure at the mine site. In a typical year, it is estimated that we will pay over $20 million in taxes to federal, state, and local government (This number can fluctuate depending on mineral prices).
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. This fund was created to support projects that address rural infrastructure and development efforts within the agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas production, and tourism industries. In simple terms, here’s how it works:
economic impact
PROVIDING LOCAL BENEFITS
The Back Forty Mine will provide significant benefits for the communities in Lake Township, Menominee County, the surrounding region, as well as the State of Michigan. When fully operational, we will create a significant number of new, full-time jobs. An economic impact study by the University of Minnesota-Duluth estimates that there will be more than 240 permanent, direct jobs with an annual payroll of approximately $9.5 million, and another 100 indirect jobs during mining.
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. This fund was created to support projects that address rural infrastructure and development efforts within the agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas production, and tourism industries. In simple terms, here’s how it works:
In addition, the state will also receive an additional $16.5 million in mineral royalties over the life of the mine.
social responsibility
At Back Forty Mine, we aim to work responsibly – doing what is right and doing what we say we will do. We make it a priority to act as a dependable mining company, from our management practices to our health and safety standards to our stewardship of the environment.
Our goal is to minimize and mitigate the impacts of mining on the environment, and to practice effective, progressive reclamation of mined areas. At all times we strive to demonstrate our respect for local cultural and environmental values.
At Back Forty Mine, we conduct our business activities ethically and transparently. We believe our actions must demonstrate a responsible approach to social, economic, and environmental performance. We understand that our work may impact the local community and the environment. We continuously look for ways to improve our performance — minimizing our impacts while maximizing our economic contribution.
Strengthening the economy of communities where we are located is important. We strive to provide lasting benefits through self-sustaining programs that enhance the economic, environmental, and social values of the residents where we operate.
We recognize our employees are fundamental to our success. Health and safety are paramount to our business and we are resolute in our effort to prevent accidents. We believe that all injuries are preventable, so our focus on safety is every shift, every day.
We value differences and always do our best to accommodate diverse cultures, lifestyles, heritages, and preferences. All our employees are empowered to do the right thing and every employee is personally accountable for their actions.
We respect human rights and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Maintaining a dialogue with the many communities where we operate is essential and is a key element of our approach to sustainability and risk management. We continuously engage with communities to gain a greater understanding of their expectations and needs, and to develop stronger relationships based on mutual understanding and trust.