Hundreds rally for Boundary Waters as critical Senate vote looms
The fight to protect the Boundary Waters has reached a critical turning point. Following a Day of Action at the Minnesota State Capitol, all eyes are now on the U.S. Senate…
Mining
Congress takes unprecedented steps to overturn 20-year mining ban near BWCA
The Trump administration and Rep. Pete Stauber are using the Congressional Review Act in an unprecedented effort to undo a 20-year mineral leasing withdrawal in the Superior National Forest. Critics warn the move sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the Boundary Waters watershed.
Minnesota DNR approves Twin Metals exploratory drilling plan near BWCAW
The Minnesota DNR has approved a plan by Franconia Minerals, a Twin Metals Minnesota subsidiary, to drill for metallic minerals near Birch Lake, about nine miles south of Ely. The approval allows 19 exploratory drill sites along the shoreline and beneath the lake, which drains into the BWCA—prompting concerns about pollution risks to the protected watershed.
Film project documents watersheds threatened by Twin Metals mine
Cinematographer Alex Horner captures the wild beauty of watersheds near the proposed Twin Metals mine, just south of the Boundary Waters. His short films document what could be lost if copper-nickel mining reshapes one of Minnesota’s most pristine regions.
New technology may fight sulfate pollution near BWCAW
Near Birch Lake Reservoir, Jeff Hanson’s mobile lab is testing a potentially proven, cost-effective method to remove sulfate from watersheds flowing into the Boundary Waters. This pollution, a byproduct of taconite mining, harms humans and contributes to toxic mercury levels in fish.
Aircraft surveys aim to map critical minerals across northern Minnesota
Small aircraft equipped with advanced mapping technology are flying over northern Minnesota to survey geology and update maps of critical minerals. Led by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Minnesota Geological Survey, the project aims to improve understanding of resources vital for clean energy and national security. Whether the findings will encourage new mining in the region remains unclear.
Mining activities increase mercury levels in Minnesota game fish, researchers say
The Northern Lakes Scientific Advisory Panel reports that walleye in Crane Lake, gateway to Voyageurs National Park, contain four times more mercury than those in nearby unimpaired lakes. Upstream sulfate pollution from taconite mines may be to blame.
Trump administration prioritizes NorthMet mine in Northern Minnesota
President Trump recently signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate domestic mineral production in northern MN, including the proposed NorthMet mine. Advocacy groups criticize the effort, saying the current administration is ignoring science.
Historic Boundary Waters legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate
Earlier this week, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith introduced the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act, a bill that would permanently safeguard the BWCAW. If passed, it would mark a major victory for those fighting to block sulfide-ore copper mining near the wilderness in northern Minnesota.
Trump’s executive order could impact copper-nickel mining plans near BWCA
President Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at increasing mineral production within the United States, focusing on minerals such as copper-nickel. Though the order does not specifically target regions, it could impact areas near the BWCAW, potentially challenging land protections established by the previous administration.
Reintroduced bills leave BWCAW protection in the balance
Two bills have been reintroduced to the legislature to address wilderness protection and mining practices near the BWCAW. Supporters of mining highlight its positive impact on local revenue and economic growth. However, opponents continue to advocate for protecting the wilderness and surrounding areas, noting that they contain some of the cleanest waters on Earth.
Minnesota DNR urged to reconsider environmental review for Mile Post 7 tailings project
The Minnesota Court of Appeals sided with an environmental group over a mining expansion project along the North Shore. They ruled that the MNDNR must reconsider whether an EIS is necessary for the proposed expansion of the Mile Post 7 tailings pond. Northshore Mining is working to fulfill a permit to expand the basin just 3 miles from Lake Superior.
Twin Metals Minnesota appeals sulfide mining leases in court
Multiple environmental groups traveled to Washington D.C., recently for the latest appeal by Twin Metals Minnesota. The Chilean-owned mining company has been seeking to reinstate two mineral leases near the BWCAW and other critical watersheds. The company appealed to a panel of judges, aiming to reinstate two preferential rights applications that would allow the company to build a mine south of Ely.
Trout stocking program reclaims Minnesota mine pits
State agencies continue to stock rainbow trout in retired mine pits in northern Minnesota, enhancing local fisheries and tourism. In the spring and fall of 2024, the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) stocked area lakes with roughly 2,800 pounds of fish.
Minnesota DNR suspends review of PolyMet mine project
The MN DNR recently announced it will suspend its review of the PolyMet copper-nickel sulfide permit until late next year. “This decision recognizes that PolyMet owes Minnesotans transparency and honesty instead of continuing to waste scarce resources and everyone’s time.” said JT Haines from MCEA.
Mining project could have long-term impacts for the North Shore
Advocates for clean water warn that a mining project near Lake Superior could harm human health and the environment in the long term.
Where do they stand on protecting the BWCA?
As the election approaches, we look to key politicians’ historical positions on mining and conservation, impacting places like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Environmental groups urge voters to support lawmakers who advocate for continued protection.
Project 2025: Conservative proposal may overturn Boundary Waters mining ban
Project 2025, founded by a coalition of conservative organizations, urges the next Republican administration to overturn the 20-year ban on new mineral leasing near the BWCAW. Environmental advocates raise concerns about the risk of pollution and wilderness protection.
Proposed amendments aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban
Last week, Representative Pete Stauber attached five amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act. These aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While four of those amendments were defeated, one remains under review.
U.S. House backs Rep. Stauber’s effort to reverse 20-year mining ban
A bill that could reverse the 20-year ban on mining leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) passed the U.S. House. It will soon move on to the Senate. Environmental advocates express concern over the reversal of mining leases that could impact watersheds in the region.