"WEST ALLIS, Wis.--Plans to develop an open-pit iron mine in northwestern Wisconsin are the latest flash point in a growing national debate that weighs the prospect of new jobs against concern about environmental damage."

"If approved, the project near Lake Superior would be the first new mine in years in Wisconsin, a state once so tied to the industry that it has a miner on its official flag.

Wisconsin has developed a reputation for being relatively hostile to mining interests, due in part to its strong environmental regulations. A copper and zinc mine proposed by Exxon about 30 years ago drew such fierce public opposition that the company, now Exxon Mobil Corp., eventually withdrew its request."

Amy Merrick reports for the Wall St. Journal December 15, 2011. [2]