The mining project involves a coppernickel- precious metals ore body and the nearby Erie Plant with associated crushing, grinding and conveyance systems (see E&MJ, January/February 2008, “NorthMet Project Ahead of the Pack in Minnesota Polymetallic Resource Rush,” p. 4). The site is located near Hoyt Lakes in the Mesabi Iron Range mining district, which is approximately 70 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota. URS’ Washington Division will support new chemical processing facilities, including a hydrometallurgical plant, SX/EW facilities and a flotation plant, all of which are being added at the Erie Plant site. Certain parts of the existing infrastructure also will be upgraded. Detailed engineering and procurement activities are under way in preparation for the start of field construction in the fall of 2008.

In a related development, PolyMet reported in February that it had been notified by the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that the agency would not complete the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for PolyMet’s project by the end of the first quarter 2008. The MDNR, according to the company, anticipates the validation and drafting of the draft EIS will be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2008.

The company also announced that it has re-allocated responsibilities among its senior management team and is relocating its headquarters to Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. William Murray, formerly president and CEO, has been appointed executive chairman, and Joe Scipioni has assumed Murray’s former role as president and CEO. Scipioni joined PolyMet in July 2006 and was appointed COO in March 2007. He will continue as general manager of the project until a replacement is hired.