Publications

Mine permitting process information

• The permitting process for a metallic mineral mine [PDF]
• Flow chart of metallic mining permitting process: applicant submittal [PDF]
• Flow chart of metallic mining permitting process: DNR review [PDF]

Information sheets

These mining information sheets explain specific aspects of how the regulations are implemented and address other important issues related to metallic mining in Wisconsin.

• How the DNR regulates metallic mining [PDF]
• Protecting groundwater at metallic mining sites [PDF]
• Reclamation and long-term care requirements for metallic mining sites in Wisconsin [PDF]
• Local decisions in metallic mining projects [PDF]
• Addressing public concerns with Wisconsin's laws governing metallic mining [PDF]
• Wisconsin's net proceeds tax on metallic mining and distribution of funds to municipalities [PDF]
• Cumulative impacts of mining development in northern Wisconsin [PDF]
• Potential metallic mining development in northern Wisconsin [PDF]
• Overview of mining waste management issues in Wisconsin [PDF]

Additional information

The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) offers for sale an excellent publication that goes into more detail on metallic mine regulation than the above mining information sheets. It presents an in-depth discussion of the regulation of metallic mineral mining, the mine permitting process, other regulatory issues, and financial issues. It includes the text of applicable state statutes and administrative rules, in effect as of the date of publication.

This publication, Special Report 13 - An Overview of Metallic Mining Regulation in Wisconsin (1996), can be ordered from the WGNHS website [exit DNR] or by calling 608-263-7389.

Regulations

State statutes and administrative codes

Several state statutes and administrative rules 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. Air emissions from mines are regulated by the state's air pollution control statute and tailings disposal is regulated by the statute that covers 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.

Administrative Codes

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

State statutes

• Chapter 293 [exit DNR] - Metallic Mining
• Chapter 001 [exit DNR] - Sovereignty and Jurisdiction of the State
  • Refer to s. 1.11, Wis. Stats., 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.