Lake Superior beach made up of ore leftovers opens to public

A Minnesota beach on Lake Superior that's made up of leftovers from the ore-mining process is officially opening to the public.

WDIO-TV reports the Silver Bay beach known as Black Beach for its color was already a popular spot for locals and tourists, but it was on private land. The mine owner added more "no trespassing" signs last summer and enforced them.

The mine owner and local officials worked together, and the state and the city of Silver Bay now lease the land. The TV station reports the public opening is effective Friday. The city also got a grant to help plan a new campground at the site.

The beach consists of taconite tailings, which are what's left when the ore is extracted.

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