Modern Mining and the Community: The Back Forty

2018 Executive Summary Report
Modern Mining and the Community: The Back Forty Mine

Direct questions to Tawni Hunt Ferrarini, tawni.ferrarini@gmail.com

Many thanks to all the people who joined the conversation and added insight to understanding how people view modern mining in the key geographical areas touched by the Back Forty Mine. Our discussions were insightful and added to an expansive understanding of the views on the strengths and weaknesses associated with new mining in a community with limited, recent experience in mineral extraction by a modern mine.

The sincere hope of the research team is that we accurately captured the views of community members without introducing any personal biases into their interpretation and our qualitative analysis. We objectively and systematically evaluated comments, views, and priorities presented by the participants in the focus groups. Any individual who would respectfully present his or her views and openly listen to the views of others was welcome. All sessions were held if there was at least one confirmed registrant. Cancellations occurred only when there was no registration. Some focus groups were scheduled at the same time there was a major sporting event or card tournament, so all requests to meet people in person or chat by phone were accommodated.

What is clear from the results of this study is that the people in this region share a deep concern for other members of their community. They care intensely about their future and the continued growth and development of their economy. Last, but certainly not least, they stand firm in their commitment to serve as wise stewards of their environment. Continue to choose calm and respectful means to keep this topic alive. It will shape the events that unfold in our modern times.

Everyone, thank you for understanding the delay in posting this executive summary. Despite the challenges presented by her husband's brutal battle with cancer, my research partner continued her statistical analysis and helped bring this project to completion.

Warm regards,

This mining and community blog is dedicated to those individuals who want to have a civil discussion about modern mining without fear of backlash, harm, or hurt.

To clarify, modern mining means that mining takes place in the pursuit of sustainable profits with some of those profits dedicated to addressing health, safety, environmental, and other concerns deemed of importance by the community to the community surrounding the mine.

Regardless of perspective, individuals posting to this blog are encouraged to have a civil dialogue about what modern mining means to the community in which they live.  Ideas offered and points made should be based on facts, not spirit and emotion. Of course, counterpoints are welcomed.  They, too, should be based on facts, not spirit and emotion.

I, Tawni Hunt Ferrarini, reserve the right to delete inflammatory, unprofessional, or disrespectful posts of any type. We live in a civil society.

2012 vs 2010: Comparative Summary Report

The results of the summer 2012 series of focus groups on modern mining are now available in an executive report, and can be viewed at: Comparative Summary Report (PDF).  In summary, high tech, high wage jobs and their positive rippling effects throughout the community's economy rank highest as the most significant mining effects among the participating individuals from the counties of Baraga and Marquette.  Environmental considerations are recognized as very important risks and threats.  Issues associated with transparency and trustworthiness of mining companies, in general, fall lower in rank, indicating progress in communication, and information of value between the public and mines.  When 2012 and 2010 results are compared, overall consensus in 2012 appears stronger.  Visible signs of new mining activity, as well as changes in production and employment levels across the mining industry in the region, likely explain why focus group participants come to agreement more quickly and strongly on which items to place at the top of the list of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of mining in the local community.   Unlike 2010, 2012 focus groups opened participation to include individuals with documented views strongly in support of or against local mining.

New Mining in This Community: Select Areas of Marquette and Baraga Summary Report

This report attempts to objectively identify the issues of importance to the people who fall in the middle of the two extreme views on mining and the community.  Their views will be used to establish a social baseline of where this group positions itself as new mining moves forward in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (U.P.) with special attention drawn to the U.P. counties of Baraga and Marquette.  The project idea was launched by Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company (KEMC) and then constructed, conducted, and analyzed by two independent community consultants.  Over the span of eight weeks, eleven sessions gave people with different economic, political, social, and cultural backgrounds who were not strongly for or against new mining development a place to share their views and opinions on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT).  Session results are summarized here.  This summary and more in-depth correlation and factor analysis will be combined and made part of a more comprehensive report written by another researcher.  It is posted at:  http://miningandcommunities.org/

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