The Association of Mining Municipalities of Ontario has backed Elliot Lake in their claim that tax revenue should be higher for two local mines that are using land in the community to contain waste from mining operations. The waste has to be treated for acid and monitored for low-level radioactive materials and toxins.

According to an official with the town, that is why the 2,200 hectares of property cannot be used for any industrial operation or residential development. The land used as open space where the waste is stored collected about $470,000 in taxes when the case started last year. A provincial panel is soon expected to hold a hearing on the issue.