Game-changing mine bill pits environmental groups, business interests against each other

LADYSMITH - During its four years of operation, the Flambeau Mine produced copper, gold and silver from a deposit that was relatively small, but rich.

It closed in 1997, the last mine of its kind to operate in Wisconsin.

That could soon change.

In a major policy shift for the state, a bill by Republican lawmakers would strike down restrictions on such mining, ushering in a new era of mineral exploration...