Controversial UP Copper Mine Gets $50M in State Grants After Years of Trying

Copperwood mine critics raise pollution, tourism concerns as board approves $50M in funding

Public commenters lined up out the door to speak against a $50 million grant supporting the Copperwood Mine project in the Western Upper Peninsula under consideration by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board on Aug. 25 2026. (Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance)Following several attempts to move ahead with a grant supporting a mining project in the Western Upper Peninsula, members of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board gave the grants a go-ahead, …

Controversial UP copper mine gets $50M in state grants after years of trying

Highland Copper says it's close to building UP mine even as it seeks to cut costs. Opponents remain skeptical.

Michigan board approves $50M for U.P. mine, will skip legislative panel

Michigan's economic development board has approved $50 million in funding for a controversial Upper Peninsula copper mine project.