Iron Range Landowners Protest Mineral Right Leasing
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Angry Iron Range landowners protested Wednesday a move by the state to lease mineral rights to mining companies on their privately owned land.
Minnesota's considering the move to lease private land to mining companies.
The companies would like the copper, nickel and other non-ferrous metals recently discovered on the Range.
"I would hate to see the mining company come in and descrate private land," said Michele Benson.
Doug Lande agreed.
"I don't want these people on my property. So I do say not in my backyard," he said. "I don't want it near me. I don't want it on my property. I'm not necessarily anti-mining but I'm not sure I wouldn't stand right there and strap myself to a tree."
