Crandon Mine, Mole Lake, WI, 1976-2003
Strong grassroots resistance by a remarkably broad coalition—including many former adversaries from the treaty rights conflict over Ojibwe spearfishing—thwarts Exxon/Rio Algom/BHP Billiton's plans to operate a zinc copper mine at Crandon/Mole Lake. After a 28-year struggle the Sokaogon Chippewa Community Mole Lake Band and the Forest County Potawatomi Community join forces in 2003 to purchase the mine site in 2003 and permanently retired all extant permits. The mine site is currently used as a recreation area and long term plans for its management are drawn up.
Image: Entrance to former proposed mine site, Mole Lake, WI, July 2009