Back Forty Mine

Mission

To safely build a modern mine where employees are empowered to make certain that our operation is protective of the environment, socially engaged, and proactive in the economic development of the communities where we work, live, and play – building capacity that lasts well beyond the life of mine.

Vision

To become a world-class mining operation that protects and minimizes impacts to our environment, promotes sustainable benefit for communities and stakeholders, and inspires commitment to a safe, injury-free workplace for all workers, every day.

Back Forty Mine is Aquila Resources’ 100%-owned, permitting-stage gold and zinc rich mine located in Menominee County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Zinc and copper minerals were discovered in 2001 when a local landowner had a new water well installed. Early in 2002, exploration drilling resulted in the discovery of the deposit. Subsequent drilling in 2002-03 and 2006-08 totaling over 252,625 feet helped define numerous closely spaced zones of significant zinc-gold-copper-silver mineralization. Over the past 18 years, Aquila and various joint venture partners, including INCO and Hudbay Minerals, have invested more than $100 million exploring and advancing Back Forty.

The open-pit mine is scheduled to start a two-year construction phase in 2021. Operations are estimated to run for seven years.