 The Minnesota DNR has opened a 30-day public comment period on draft water appropriation permits for the proposed PolyMet Mining Project in northeastern Minnesota. PolyMet is proposing to develop a mine and associated processing facilities for the extraction of copper, nickel and platinum group elements. If permitted, the mine would be the first of its kind in the state. The proposed project would require six water appropriation permits for various construction and operation activities at the mine site and plant site. The DNR recently completed its comprehensive review of the company's permit applications and considered input from state, local and tribal governments. Now the DNR is seeking public review and input on draft permit language before making any permitting decisions and will accept written public comments on the draft water appropriation permits from August 11th until September 12th. This public comment period concerns only the six draft water appropriation permits. In addition to these six water appropriation permits, the project would also need six additional DNR permits as well as several other state, federal and local permits and approvals in order to proceed. The DNR's review of PolyMet's other pending applications, dam safety, public water's work and permit to mine is ongoing and there will be future public comment opportunities. Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.