The Hill Annex Mine Mitigation Plan was developed for the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRR) in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR). The plan focuses on Hill Annex Mine State Park in Calumet, Itasca County, a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a vital piece of Minnesota’s early 20th-century iron mining heritage.
Scope
With plans to reopen the mine for active operations, protecting cultural and historical resources became a top priority. 106 Group conducted a comprehensive study of historic buildings, mining features, and landscapes to identify potential impacts and craft practical solutions. Our work followed state cultural resource laws and the Programmatic Agreement for resuming mining at Hill Annex Mine State Park (2010), ensuring full compliance.
Outcome
The resulting plan provides SHPO-approved strategies to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects while supporting the client’s operational goals. Developed in close collaboration with IRRR, MnDNR, SHPO, and other stakeholders, the project demonstrates how proactive planning can balance economic development with historic preservation—helping clients advance their initiatives while safeguarding Minnesota’s cultural heritage.
