How is Metallic Mining Regulated in Wisconsin?

A number of state statutes and administrative rules specifically regulate metallic mining in this state. However, one very important provision of the statutes requires that mining activities also be regulated by other laws that more specifically address each particular activity that might occur in association with mining.

Consequently, for example, any wastewater discharge from a proposed mine would be regulated by the same laws and rules that regulate wastewater discharges from all other municipal and industrial operations in the state. In addition, air emissions from mines are regulated by the state's air pollution control statute and tailings disposal is regulated by the statute that regulates all municipal and industrial solid waste disposal facilities. The same holds true for groundwater withdrawals, stream crossings, and many other activities related to a mining operation.

Links to the Wisconsin Administrative Codes (exit DNR) that pertain specifically to Metallic Mining are referenced below.

• Chapter 130 - Metallic mineral exploration
• Chapter 131 - Metallic mineral prospecting
• Chapter 132 - Metallic mineral mining
• Chapter 140 - Groundwater quality
• Chapter 150 - Environmental analysis and review procedures for Department actions
• Chapter 182 - Metallic mining wastes

Links to the Wisconsin State Statutes (exit DNR) that pertain specifically to Metallic Mining are referenced below.

• Chapter 293 - Metallic Mining
• Chapter 001 - Sovereignty and Jurisdiction of the State
• Refer to Section 1.11, Wis. Statues, in order to learn more about the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA), which guides public participation and disclosure requirements for project proposals. Included are guidelines for environmental impact statement preparation and related public hearings.