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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