Wisconsin mining jobs are years away, Cullen says
MADISON — How soon will Wisconsin see the mining jobs?
Gov. Scott Walker last week issued a news release hailing the Legislature’s passage of the mining bill, referring to “thousands of mining-related jobs over the next few years.”
Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville, on Monday issued a statement saying that a mine is “is seven to 10 years away—if an applicant even survives the permitting process and withstands inevitable litigation.”
Later Monday, the governor, in announcing that he had signed the bill into law, referred to “thousands of private-sector jobs in the coming years.”
Asked for a reaction to Cullen’s statement, governor’s spokesman Cullen Werwie referred to the latest wording, “in the coming years.”
Cullen said other supporters of the bill have predicted the opening of an iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin within two years.
“Supporters of the new law, including the governor, are completely misleading the people of Wisconsin—especially those looking for jobs—by saying a mining operation could begin in as little as two years,” Cullen said in his statement.
Cullen was chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Mining last year when the Democrats briefly gained control of the Senate.
A pre-application process that would include borings, exploration and hydrological studies would take two to three years, followed by the Army Corps of Engineers permitting process that would take four or more years, Cullen said. Legal challenges would follow.
Cullen also pointed to a statement by Tim Sullivan, who heads the Wisconsin Mining Association.
Sullivan was quoted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Nov. 29 as telling the Senate Select Committee on Mining: “We’re not talking a year or two years. You’re talking five, six years out, potentially even further, depending on how the permit process goes.”
Mar 14, 2013 at 9:33 a.m.
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Wasp you have a good point. Just look to the gaming agreement that the guv said he would sign if all of the tribes would agree to allowing it. Don't see that happening. So it won't be his fault. Lets watch Scott continue to try to divide and conquer.
Mar 13, 2013 at 4:05 p.m.
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Um... I'm not ddr. But i do enjoy satire.
Mar 13, 2013 at 2 p.m.
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If ever. Automation with robots is a trend in mining - http://ohsonline.com/Articles/2013/03/05...
Don't know if this new mine would be automated to that extent.
Mar 13, 2013 at 12:29 p.m.
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ddr...I thought so
Mar 13, 2013 at 12:26 p.m.
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Many jobs have already been created by this bill. Look at all the lawyers that will be making money. Maybe that was the intention all along. And no I don't have any sources. lol
Mar 13, 2013 at 11:04 a.m.
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Funny how you folks don't see the guv knew the tribes and feds would probably stop this silly thing, the way it is written. It is just a hideout for scotty, so can blame other people for no jobs. But he tried, woe is him!
Mar 13, 2013 at 8:37 a.m.
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So, hydrological studies will begin soon. Who does these jobs? Senator Cullen? Can you also explain that if it would take 7-10 years for these mining jobs, why were you prolonging the process? Next election I hope the people remember all partisan crap you spew.
Mar 13, 2013 at 8:19 a.m.
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So is Senator Cullen assuming we won't need jobs in 7 to 10 years?
jv93: Great comment @ 6:10pm (3/12)
Mar 13, 2013 at 8:10 a.m.
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DDR...and your source you can cite?
Mar 13, 2013 at 8:03 a.m.
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The mining company is bringing in their own miners to work the mines will be very few job openings for people of Wisconsin. I think they are mostly Chinese. They are trained on how to mine already.
Mar 13, 2013 at 7:55 a.m.
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The "Cullen mining bill" would have been a guarantee that a mine NEVER opened. The minority wasted 5 months (with their short lived majority) talking about something that would never be, and trying to make themselves relevant.
Mar 13, 2013 at 7:42 a.m.
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Stalling and Delaying the start of any jobs for this mine was always a part of the Democrats agenda. They profess to be pro labor but are hurting most of the very people who would work in the mine.
Run Timmie, run.... Your room at the Clock Tower is ready
Mar 13, 2013 at 6:16 a.m.
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Really, "thousands" of jobs? What a joke. Once again Walker is blowing smoke. Hope the courts overturn this farce of a bill.
Mar 12, 2013 at 9:50 p.m.
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walker just pulled another fast scam, on the people of wisconsin. calling it job creation
Mar 12, 2013 at 9:22 p.m.
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Cullen represents Janesville. Nothing in Janesville ceases to surprise me.
Mar 12, 2013 at 7:44 p.m.
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Tim Cullen better be watching the next election when he is hopes to keep his job.
Mar 12, 2013 at 6:31 p.m.
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This from the Governor who promised 250,000 jobs. Does anyone actually believe anything he says about job creation? He's just making stuff up at this point.
If the mine ever does happen, do you really think any of those jobs will go to Wisconsinites?
Mar 12, 2013 at 6:10 p.m.
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Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville, on Monday issued a statement saying that a mine is “is seven to 10 years away—if an applicant even survives the permitting process and withstands inevitable litigation.” Well...at least now we know where dear senator Cullen stands on job creation. If one cannot legislate, he must litigate. Is that the new slogan for Wisconsin democrats?
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