Mining in Michigan
Michigan has a long history of mining that goes back to prehistoric time. Recent updates to regulatory and revenue structures have improved the effectiveness and transparency of the state's approach to mining operations. The State of Michigan has prepared a multi-disciplinary mining guide to provide an introduction and overview of the processes required for mining exploration and permitting. This guide is available in the Mining Guidebook.
The DEQ Office of Oil, Gas, and Minerals (OOGM) regulates several mining industries in Michigan, including metallic mining, sand dune mining, and coal mining. There are also several other important mineral commodities such as gypsum, dimension stone, limestone, and aggregate (gravel pits) that are mined in Michigan but are not regulated by the OOGM. These industries, although not requiring a mining permit from the OOGM, may be subject to federal, state, or local air, water, or land use permits.