In Response: Flambeau Mine successfully operated, successfully closed From the column: "The right company doing the right things in compliance with the right standards can produce the materials society needs — and can do so safely and responsibly." Written By: Frank Ongaro | × Rio Tinto photo / This is the site of the Flambeau Mine in Wisconsin following closure and reclamation. In her Feb. 10 commentary in the News Tribune, Laura Gauger argued that the Flambeau Mine in Wisconsin is not an example of a successful mining project. Unfortunately, the commentary conveniently omitted several facts. While a focus should be on Minnesota’s comprehensive, science-based environmental review and permitting processes, it is important to point out some key facts about the Flambeau Mine.