Metallic mining publications and regulations
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
- Protecting groundwater at metallic mining sites
- Reclamation and long-term care requirements for metallic mining sites in Wisconsin
- Local decisions in metallic mining projects
- Addressing public concerns with Wisconsin's laws governing metallic mining
- Wisconsin's net proceeds tax on metallic mining and distribution of funds to municipalities
- Cumulative impacts of mining development in northern Wisconsin
- Potential metallic mining development in northern Wisconsin
- Overview of mining waste management issues in Wisconsin
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 - 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
State statutes
- Chapter 293 - Metallic Mining
- Chapter 001 - 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.