AIPG Luncheon Speaker - 3 November 2009 - Frank Ongaro, Executive Director - MiningMinnesota

The Next Generation of Mining: Opportunities, Economic Benefits, and Challenges Facing Non-Ferrous Mining in Minnesota

Abstract 
 
With its vast, low grade, largely sulfur deficient non-ferrous deposits, the Duluth Complex holds true global significance.  Demand for base and precious metals is growing both domestically and globally, with the United States dependant on foreign imports for a majority of our consumption of these metals.  As proposed base and precious metal mining operations move forward in Minnesota, it is important to understand the benefits, the risks, and the reclamation assurances being addressed in the open, transparent, and very public State regulatory process.  These operations will provide hundreds, potentially thousands, of great-paying, enduring jobs to our struggling Minnesota economy. The environmental concerns are also being addressed within our strict and demanding environmental review and permitting process, assuring water quality and financial responsibility.
 
Bio
 
Frank Ongaro was named executive director of MiningMinnesota in November 2006. In this position, Ongaro serves as chief spokesperson for the MiningMinnesota initiative, which supports sustainable and environmentally responsible non-ferrous mining development in Minnesota. MiningMinnesota works with local citizens, businesses and other organizations to bring growth and job creation to the state through responsible development of natural resources.
 
Prior to his MiningMinnesota appointment, Ongaro served as president of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) from 2001 to 2006. He has also served as executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools, director of Intergovernmental Relations for the City of St. Paul, assistant to the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry, and assistant director of legislative relations for Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich.
 
Ongaro’s recent professional affiliations include service on the Natural Resources Research Institute Advisory Board, a Governor’s appointment to the Minnesota Minerals Coordinating Committee, the Minnesota Government Relations Council Board of Directors, the Department of Health’s Commissioner’s Advisory Committee on Respiratory Diseases, the Laurentian Vision Partnership, and the Governor Rudy Perpich Memorial Committee.
 
Ongaro holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota.