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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Mining supporters protest Piragis on busy weekend

Keith Vandervort
Posted 8/2/18

ELY – Three Ely mining supporters camped in front of Piragis Northwoods Co. last Thursday afternoon to protest the fact that the long-time outfitter is “trying to kill our jobs and …

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Mining supporters protest Piragis on busy weekend

Posted

ELY – Three Ely mining supporters camped in front of Piragis Northwoods Co. last Thursday afternoon to protest the fact that the long-time outfitter is “trying to kill our jobs and future.”

Steve Saari, Mike Banovetz and Tim Beaudry spent several hours in front of the business with various signs.

“These outfitters, and Piragis isn’t the only one, but he’s the biggest one, don’t know anything other than litigation, Banovetz said. “They have high-priced lawyers that work for them pro bono and file a new lawsuit every time they (PolyMet and Twin Metals) make progress toward exploring copper-nickel mining up here.”

One banner taped to the back end of a vehicle indicated that Piragis “is afraid of the science.” Banovetz explained, “Let the science at least be allowed to happen and we will see how the whole thing will work out. We can keep our water clean.”

Store officials said the protest has happened before. Steve Piragis was out of town and unavailable for comment.