Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that the state will not be processing permits for proposed mining projects in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This decision comes after a federal ban was lifted by the U.S. Congress and former President Donald Trump’s administration four months ago.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, located along Minnesota’s border with Canada in the Superior National Forest, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Governor Walz, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of preserving this sacred place in its natural state.
While Walz’s executive order is temporary and set to expire in April, it could be continued by the next governor. Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been pursuing mining operations in the national forest since 2019, aiming to extract copper, nickel, and other metals without leaving waste rock above ground.
Concerns have been raised about potential pollution from mining activities affecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which is downstream from the proposed mine site. President Trump’s decision to lift the federal moratorium on mining in the forest was met with criticism and opposition from environmental advocates.
Governor Walz’s order also restricts Minnesota regulators from participating in federal environmental reviews of nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, associated with the Boundary Waters. Additionally, the state will not be conducting environmental reviews or issuing permits for mining proposals while ongoing litigation over state mining regulations continues.
The move to prohibit nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed has been supported by environmental groups like Save the Boundary Waters, while Republican U.S. Representative Pete Stauber has criticized Governor Walz’s actions, accusing him of negatively impacting northern Minnesota’s economy and way of life.
The decision by Governor Walz has been welcomed by advocates for environmental conservation, who argue that copper mining poses a significant threat to the pristine wilderness and water resources of the Boundary Waters. Legal expert James Coleman highlighted that the order introduces uncertainty for future mining projects, as they require both state and federal approvals and can be influenced by changing political landscapes.