Upper Peninsula lawmakers on Monday applauded the recent renewal of a metallic mineral lease relevant to the proposed Back Forty Mine in Menominee County, which is set to mine gold, zinc, and copper.

The lawmakers, including State Senator Ed McBroom and Representative Beau LaFave said they appreciated the state Department of Natural Resources decision to renew the Back Forty Mine lease before its expiration deadline on December 27th.  They said granting the lease’s extension was an important step in the project’s development, enabling mine officials to continue work on obtaining remaining permits.”

McBroom said “The Back Forty Mine will be a big shot in the arm for the U.P., providing hundreds of good-paying construction, mining and administrative jobs, as well as contributing greatly to the region’s economy.