akula: thanks for the additional clarification.

starwatcher: I recognize the photo above as Miners Lake in beautiful downtown BWCAW :) Miners Lake does provide much recational oppertunities to citizens (seasonal & perminate) and eco-tourism alike. Some of these recrerational activities include: canoeing and fishing TROUT  a hiking\joging\ ski trail meandering around the lake, a trail that is closed to mechinized use (i guess this gives Miners Lake its "wildernes" status  :) ) The shoreline is now valuable "lakeshore" real estate with some $ BIG BUCK$ homes with likewise property $ TAXES $. Part of the old iron mine site is also the location of newer businesses structures such as Ely Vet Clinic, Irrestiable INC, Sato travel, Mn. State Revenue complex, Stieger Mucklucks and a couple other employers I'm missing right now. I belive some sort of organization is curently seeking funding to develop geo-thermal heating project useing the waters from the depths of Miners Lake :question...My take: this old useless mine site is now a highly valued by fish, wildlife, & humans alike [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Back to the origional  :question.....At this point, from the imput here and in the film "Precious Waters", I see no impact to the BWCAW from the preposed Poly met mine...Sooooo: bring on the jobs . I do reserve the right to form an alternate platform should actual facts support the idea there would impact to the BWCAW....thanks to all for assistance in formulating this "current" Riversend opinion... :)