Two Wisconsin tribes have completed their purchase of a proposed mine site near Crandon.

The Mole Lake Chippewa and the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe agreed to buy the Crandon mine site for pay $16.5 million. The Potawatomis paid their share in cash while the Chippewa were still raising money for their share.

The Chippewa took out a loan to finance its share. But BHP Billiton, a mining giant associated with the site, agreed to donate the $8 million payment back to the tribe in the form of a trust.

The tribes fought the proposed zinc and copper mine out of fear it would destroy Rice Lake and pollute water.

Get the Story:
Tribe makes final payment on purchase of proposed mine land (AP 5/30)

Relevant Links:
Forest County Potawatomi Tribe - http://www.fcpotawatomi.com
Sokaogon Chippewa Community - http://www.sokaogonchippewa.com
Ban Cyanide at Crandon Mine - http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/cyanide.html

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