Twenty-two local governments across the western Upper Peninsula have passed resolutions supporting the proposed Copperwood copper mine. A coalition of more than 130 local leaders, labor groups and business owners has also formed to push the project forward.

The support comes from communities closest to the proposed mine site in Wakefield and Ironwood townships in Gogebic County. Copperwood Resources Inc. plans to invest about $425 million to develop the fully permitted copper mine, according to a state announcement in August.

Wakefield Township supervisor Mandy Lake said the community backs the project.

"The people of Wakefield Township and the Western Upper Peninsula are squarely behind the Copperwood Project," Lake said. "It will create jobs and opportunities while balancing the environment."

During Wakefield Township's master planning process, 91% of respondents supported mining activity, according to the Copperwood Project's website. A statewide poll by EPIC-MRA found 71% of Michigan voters support the project, and 82% of Upper Peninsula residents back mining-related development, according to the state announcement. The Our U.P., Our Future coalition launched in August.

The governments that passed resolutions span five counties: Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Iron and Baraga. Communities including Wakefield, Ironwood, Bessemer, Watersmeet and Bergland are on the list, along with the Gogebic County Road Commission and the Western UP Planning and Development Region.

Institutions including Aspirus Hospital in Ironwood, Gogebic Community College, Michigan Technological University and UP Michigan Works have submitted letters of support, according to the project's website.

No response from environmental groups or opponents of the project appears in the public materials reviewed for this article.

Jobs and economic stakes

The project would create at least 380 long-term positions with annual wages of $80,000 to $120,000, according to the state announcement. That is roughly double the regional median wage of $44,900. The developer also expects about 300 construction jobs. Construction is expected to begin in 2028, with commercial production anticipated in 2030.

Economic modeling cited in the state announcement projects approximately $1.34 billion in personal income and $121.7 million in state tax revenue over the life of the mine. The project would also generate an estimated $76.3 million through Michigan's Mining Severance Tax (MST). Under state law, 65% of MST revenue goes to local governments and schools.

Dan Siirila, chairman of the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners, said in the coalition's materials that the region has watched jobs disappear and young people follow. He said when opportunities bring real jobs and investment to Gogebic County, "that matters deeply to the families I represent."

George Dellich, owner of Club 28 Restaurant in Wakefield, said in the coalition's materials that when good jobs leave, families move and take their everyday spending with them. Ryan Stern of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council said members have had to travel hours for work or leave the U.P. because the opportunities have not been there.

Infrastructure and environment

The state grant announced in August would support improvements to County Road 519N in the Wakefield area. It would also fund utility upgrades serving Ironwood, Wakefield, Bessemer, Erwin Township and surrounding communities. Expanded cellular and broadband infrastructure in portions of Gogebic County is also planned, according to the state announcement.

Highland Copper, the parent company of Copperwood Resources, says it has completed environmental mitigation work including about 18 acres of wetland construction, stream restoration and replacement of the Choate Road bridge. The company says it has established conservation protections on nearly 700 acres of wetlands.

The project holds all key permits for construction and operation. It remains subject to oversight by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, known as EGLE, according to the state announcement.

Sen. Ed McBroom said in the state announcement that the project would benefit "the long neglected, western end of the U.P." He added that no one cares more about the land, water and people than the residents who live there.

Construction activities are expected to begin in 2028.