Bill > AB632

This bill creates a moratorium on the issuance of mining permits for sulfide ore bodies (mineral deposits where metals are mixed with sulfide minerals) by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Specifically, the DNR cannot issue a mining permit for a sulfide ore body until two key conditions are met: first, the applicant must demonstrate that a similar mining operation in the United States or Canada has successfully operated for at least 10 years without causing groundwater or surface water pollution from acid drainage or heavy metal release, and second, the applicant must show that a similar mining operation has been closed for at least 10 years without causing such environmental pollution. The bill modifies existing statute 293.49 by adding a reference to the new section 293.50 and establishes these strict environmental preconditions for mining permits. The provisions apply to all permit applications, regardless of when they were submitted, effectively creating a comprehensive safeguard against potential environmental damage from sulfide ore mining by requiring a proven track record of environmental safety before a permit can be granted.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab632