The proposed wetland replacement planned with this development is definitely not equal in terms of quality of habitat.  The Polymet mine will sit in the heart of what is known as the "100 mile swamp" (not really 100 miles long).  It is an area the DNR considered giving permanent protection in the 90's because of its unique ecological characteristics.  They certainly have changed their tune now.  The proposed wetland replacement involves plugging up drainage ditches in the Floodwood area.  These ditches were a futile attempt at the turn of the last century to make that area suitable for farming, but have long since been plugged with beaver dams.  All they do now is provide waterfowl habitat.  They certainly are not draining the spruce bogs anymore.  Drive on Highway 2 north of Floodwood and you get an idea how wet this area is already.  Not an equal replacement (or a replacement at all) IMO.

Just because water sit at the divide, but doesn't flow into the BWCA, it doesn't mean the consequences if things go wrong are meaningless.  The proposed mine will sit nearly on top of the Partridge River which flows into the headwaters of the St. Louis River, the largest US tributary to Lake Superior and second largest overall (behind Nipigon).  This river has suffered tremendously from industrial pollution in its lower reaches, but remains nearly pristine at its headwaters.  

Wisconsin had an experience with sulfide mining along the Flambeau River.  It was promised to be devoid of the sort problems that plagued this sort of mining out west.  The open pit mine operated from 1993-1997, and acid and heavy metals continue to leach into the river.   As a result of this experience, Wisconsin now has a moratorium on sulfide mining.  

I know we all use these metals in our daily lives and The Range is hurting economically, but I am very uncomfortable with this type of mining in this special part of the state.