MELLEN, Wis. (WSAU-WRN) -- Many of the armed guards are gone from a proposed mining site in northern Wisconsin,for now.
One day after saying they would keep an armed security detail in place at its exploratory drilling sites in northern Wisconsin, Gogebic Taconite announced some of those guards have been asked to stand down.
The decision comes after it was discovered the Arizona company providing the guards was not licensed to operate in Wisconsin. Gogebic officials say they have asked Bulletproof Securities to withdraw its staff until it obtains the proper state license.
The presence of the guards drew fire this week because of photos showing camouflaged guards carrying assault-style rifles. Gogebic says the security is needed because of protesters who vandalized one of the company's work sites and have maintained a presence in the area.
It is unknown how long it will take Bulletproof Securities to obtain their Wisconsin license.