Man Known as MN's Grandfather of Copper Mining Dies

DULUTH - We have some sad news from the mining industry to pass along.

The man known as the grandfather of copper mining in Minnesota has died.

Eighty-four year old Ernest Lehmann was born in Germany and emigrated to the U.S. with his parents in 1935.

He's worked in the mining industry across the globe since the 1950's, spending much of his time promoting the mining industry in Minnesota.

According to Frank Ongaro, the executive director of Mining Minnesota, a copper–nickel mining organization Lehmann helped create, Ernie was not only the most knowledgeable person in Minnesota on mineralogy and minerals he was a tireless advocate for responsible development of all mining projects,and a well-known and well respected gentleman.

Later in his career he founded Ernest K. Lehmann and Associates in Minneapolis and owned Vermilion Gold.