Models of Reclamation :   The Republic Wetlands Preserve

One example of Cleveland Cliffs' environmental stewardship is the Republic Wetlands Preserve in Michigan.

This 2,300 acres of wildlife habitat includes about 600 acres of newly created wetlands developed on the tailings and reuse water basins of the former Republic iron ore mine.

It puts back into nature’s use land that was used by man for a few decades in mining and processing a vital natural resource—iron ore.

The Republic Mine, managed by Cleveland-Cliffs, was shuttered in 1981 when the iron mining and steel industry went through a severe downturn. Although Cleveland-Cliffs held it on standby for years, it was closed for good in 1996. Since then, crews have dismantled buildings and the pit has been filling with water, while other experts working for Cleveland-Cliffs subsidiary, Cliffs Mining Services Company (CMSC), have worked to create a unique addition to the environment.

Where mine tailings (the fine sandy waste product of the concentrating process) were deposited for decades, a new landscape has been created called the Republic Wetlands Preserve (RWP). It offers 2,300 acres of wildlife habitat with about 600 acres of newly created wetlands. While providing a home and breeding ground for reptiles, amphibians, birds and fur-bearing animals, it provides another benefit, too. The acreage is used as a wetland mitigation "bank" to provide compensatory wetlands for wetlands that are impacted by continuing operations at Cliffs Michigan Mining Company.

A brochure and video on the Republic Wetlands Preserve are available. To request more information, send an email to Public Relations at Cleveland-Cliff's.