My grandfather and all of my uncles mined underground (copper) in the U.P. Mom worked in the office at the same mine. All noted that when the mine closed there was still plenty of mineral to be had. The issue was that it was too expensive to extract when compared to deposits in Arizona, Montana and later, Chile. Commodities prices have risen in recent years, mostly on account consumption of same in China, making exploration desirable. Along similar lines I am surprised that no efforts, at least none I've read about, have been expended for gold at or near the Ropes Mine, or elsewhere near Ishpeming. I would agree that CN is hedging its bets by keeping some of this U.P. track in place, "just in case." This was of course the same reason the line north of Baraga was kept intact for as long as it was, ie possible and potential mineral extraction in the Keweenaw. That didn't happen, and Houghton wouldn't have stood for it, anyway. Interesting article, and thanks for the share.