State of Michigan Celebrates 380 New Jobs, Infrastructure Improvements Coming to Western Upper Peninsula

LANSING, Mich. — Today, the State of Michigan announced support for critical site readiness and infrastructure improvements being undertaken by Copperwood Resources Inc. and the Gogebic County Road Commission necessary to develop the Copperwood Mine Project in Wakefield and Ironwood Townships (Gogebic County).  

WHY IT MATTERS: This project will deliver good-paying jobs to the community, fix the local roads, and invest in Michigan’s infrastructure while bringing online a domestic source of copper – critical to national security and defense, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and transportation industries – under some of the strictest mining and environmental regulations in the country.  

“The Copperwood Mine will create at least 380 long-term, high-wage jobs in a community that is eager to welcome them, and in doing so, it helps to fortify an entire region's tax base,” said MEDC CEO Quentin Messer. “We appreciate Highland Copper's continued commitment to building a future here in our state and are grateful for the partnership of the many local leaders who are helping bring this investment project to life. Together, Team Michigan remains focused on delivering opportunity for families in the places they love across the Upper Peninsula and the entire state.” 

OVERVIEW: Copperwood Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Highland Copper Company Inc., is pursuing development of the fully permitted Copperwood Mine Project, located in Wakefield and Ironwood Townships (Gogebic County). Copperwood seeks to invest approximately $425 million in mine development, site preparation, infrastructure improvements, equipment, environmental controls, and operational facilities.  

This project expects to support approximately 300 construction jobs and create at least 380 long-term positions with annual wages ranging from approximately $80,000 to $120,000, twice the regional median wage of $44,900. The mine will support long-term domestic copper production and advanced manufacturing industries while meeting Michigan’s stringent mining laws. Construction activities are expected to begin in 2028, with commercial production anticipated in 2030. 

Copperwood has received significant support from local residents, elected officials, economic development organizations, labor groups, and community stakeholders. 

• 91% – Support for mining activity identified through the Wakefield Township Master Planning process (see p. 57).  

• 82% – Support for mining-related development among Upper Peninsula residents.  

• 71% – Support for the project among Michiganders in a June 2026 statewide survey. 

The strong level of public and stakeholder support reflects broad recognition of the project’s potential to create good-paying jobs, strengthen local tax bases, and contribute to long-term economic growth throughout the Western Upper Peninsula. 

Copperwood will comply with Michigan’s strictest-in-the-nation mining laws, which were passed with the support of environmental advocacy groups and make Michigan a global model for mining regulation.  

The project will also comply with stringent environmental standards that protect air, land, and water. The State of Michigan will ensure compliance with five major permits under the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. 

“The Copperwood Project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create hundreds of jobs and generate millions in capital investment while meeting Michigan’s rigorous environmental standards and demonstrating that economic development and environmental protections can coexist,” said Highland Copper CEO Barry O’Shea. “This funding builds on the strong support we've already received from local communities and the federal government and will help secure the domestic copper America needs for advanced manufacturing and national security. We thank the State of Michigan for its support and look forward to advancing a project that will benefit the Western U.P. for years to come.” 

In support of this project, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board approved two Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) grants for a combined total request of $50,000,000. This includes: 

• An SSRP grant of $44,971,691 to Copperwood Resources Inc.   

• An SSRP grant of $5,028,309 to the Gogebic County Road Commission 

In 2022, the Michigan legislature appropriated $250 million in SSRP funding to go toward a variety of site readiness activities, with $50 million set aside for site readiness efforts for projects with an identified end user. The $50 million approved today replaces the SSRP support the MSF Board unanimously approved in March 2024.  

“The Western U.P. has suffered industry closures, declining population and crumbling regional infrastructure that has made it difficult to attract economic development opportunities and keep families here,” said InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante. “This grant from the State of Michigan will help us change that trajectory, giving Western U.P. communities the resources they need to attract investment, create good-paying jobs and build a future where families choose to stay and grow.” 

The Gogebic County Road Commission has also received support from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for a Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category A Grant. Nearly the entire roadway segment included in this scope currently carries a pavement condition rating of 2 (“poor”) on a 1-10 scale, indicating significant deterioration and limited serviceability. The total project cost to address these improvements is $12,570,722, with the MDOT TEDF grant covering $7,542,463 of the cost and the $5,028,309 SSRP grant to Gogebic County Road Commission serving as the TEDF match. 

“Without this grant, these critical improvements to County Road 519 N would simply not be possible,” said Garth C. Stengard, Manager of the Gogebic Road Commission. “This project is about more than updating a road. It ensures all-season access for industries like lumber and timber, improves safety for daily users and helps emergency personnel respond more quickly when it matters most. The Gogebic County Road Commission is grateful to the State of Michigan for its partnership in supporting the people and communities we serve for years to come.” 

“MDOT is pleased to support Gogebic County through this Transportation Economic Development Fund grant, which strengthens the region’s economic future while improving access to key recreational destinations,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “Rebuilding County Road 519 North will help both businesses and tourism thrive in the western Upper Peninsula by aiding local industries and employers, as well as enhancing safe, reliable access to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.” 

Workforce Investments: The Western Upper Peninsula has experienced decades of economic decline following the closure of major employers over the years which had provided family-sustaining careers that have never been fully replaced. Copperwood represents a unique opportunity to reverse this trend through substantial private investment, job creation, infrastructure improvements, and long-term tax revenue generation. 

Economic modeling indicates the project will generate approximately $1.34 billion in personal income and approximately $121.7 million in state tax revenue during the anticipated life of the mine.  

In addition to direct employment, the project is expected to support workforce development partnerships, strengthen regional labor force participation, and generate additional employment opportunities throughout supplier, construction, transportation, and professional services sectors. 

“The Copperwood project will have a tremendous positive impact on our U.P. workforce and will especially benefit the people and communities of the long neglected, western end of the U.P.,” said Senator Ed McBroom. “All of us know the beauty of this place. No one cares more about the land, water, and people than the citizens who live here. We're grateful to have a partner in Highland Copper who has heard our values for environmental stewardship and community while being willing to work within the strictest and most successful mining laws and regulations in the world.” 

Infrastructure Improvements: Copperwood is committed to delivering on infrastructure improvements for area residents, including transportation, utility, and broadband investments. The grant will support: 

• Improvements to County Road 519N that will increase road safety while creating opportunity for additional businesses to locate in the Wakefield Industrial Park. These improvements will also deliver better access to the Presque Isle Rustic Campground and hiking trails within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. 

• Utility upgrades will strengthen energy infrastructure serving Ironwood, Wakefield, Bessemer, Erwin Township, and surrounding communities. These improvements will improve energy reliability for existing users while supporting future economic development opportunities.  

• Cellular and broadband infrastructure will be expanded throughout portions of Gogebic County, driving stronger connectivity for residents, businesses, emergency responders, and regional tourism assets in the Porcupine Mountains region.  

• Copperwood has constructed approximately 18 acres of new wetland, as well as establishing a nearly 700-acre wetland preservation area off-site. 

Economic Impacts: Along with direct economic impacts, Copperwood is expected to generate additional revenue, currently estimated to be $76.3 million over the life of the mine, unique to this project through Michigan’s Mining Severance Tax (“MST”) structure.  

Under Michigan law, 65 percent of MST revenue is distributed to local taxing jurisdictions and schools, while the remaining 35 percent supports the Michigan Rural Development Fund administered through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. These revenues would provide long-term benefits to local governments, schools, infrastructure improvements, and future rural economic development initiatives throughout the region. 

Industry Prominence: Copper is increasingly recognized as a strategic material essential to battery manufacturing, renewable energy systems, transmission infrastructure, advanced computing technologies and national defense applications. An International Energy Forum report calls it “the mineral most fundamental to the human future because it is essential to electricity generation, distribution, and storage.” 

As domestic demand for copper accelerates and U.S. production remains limited, projects capable of establishing new domestic supply sources have become increasingly important to national economic competitiveness, manufacturing resiliency, and energy security. Copperwood provides Michigan with an opportunity to participate directly in this strategic supply chain while supporting the state’s existing leadership in mobility, advanced manufacturing, and energy innovation. 

This project also aligns with broader federal priorities focused on critical mineral security, domestic manufacturing competitiveness, infrastructure modernization, and energy independence while also bolstering the natural resource economy as a core industry sector for economic growth in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 

“Copper demand is surging and the Copperwood Mine project will strengthen Michigan’s automotive supply chain while providing an economic boost in the U.P., which has long helped sustain this country’s manufacturing industry,” said Glenn Stevens, Executive Director of MichAuto and Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer with the Detroit Regional Chamber. “Having U.S.-sourced critical minerals is essential to supply chain resiliency and ensuring our manufacturers have secure resource options as they compete globally to develop next-generation mobility and new-energy technologies and products.” 

Environmental Protections: Highland Copper has been completing environmental mitigation activities for years before any mining operations have taken place, ensuring environmental protections have been built into project planning and engineering at the very beginning stages of the mine development. This project has also received all key permits required for construction and operation and remains subject to comprehensive oversight by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).  

Environmental mitigation activities completed to date include construction of approximately 18 acres of wetland mitigation, restoration of stream systems, replacement of the Choate Road bridge to improve aquatic habitat connectivity, and the establishment of conservation protections preserving nearly 700 acres of high-quality wetlands. These activities demonstrate Highland Copper’s commitment to implementing mitigation measures ahead of construction activities, while integrating environmental stewardship into the project development.   

Highland Copper is committed to reclamation activities that will restore disturbed lands, protect water resources, preserve wetlands, and return the site to a natural condition once the mine is no longer active. Upon completion of mining operations, the Copperwood Mine project is expected to leave behind more than 13,000 linear feet of restored stream habitat and more than 730 acres of wetlands protected through permanent conservation easements.  

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.