Compilation of Historic Mineral Exploration Data Pertaining to the “Lost” Crandon Cu-Zn Deposit, Forest County, WI : Rediscovering Wisconsin’s Largest and Most Controversial Massive Sulfide Deposit

Abstract

The Crandon massive sulfide deposit in Forest County, Wisconsin, is by far the largest polymetallic ore body in the Penokean Orogen. First discovered in 1976 by the Exxon Minerals Co., the company was eager to exploit the deposits over 60 million tonnes of Cu and Zn resources. After numerous of years of exploration, the company filed a Notice of Intent to mine at the Crandon location in 1981. Despite numerous environmental and industrial regulation exemptions for mining companies by the state legislature, the Crandon mine project went on a hiatus due to low metal prices. This time period of inactivity at the Crandon site saw an increase of pro-conservationism in the public allowing the project to come under public scrutiny and controversial debate. Later attempts to permit the mine corresponded with new state and federal mining and environmental legislation that made permitting more difficult.