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.
Mining
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.
Mining interest set to launch drill program within the Duluth Complex
Green Bridge Metals and Encampment Minerals are set to launch drilling exploration for copper-nickel and other metals near Lake Superior. Healthcare providers communicate concerns over the long-term impact of sulfide mining near the BWCA.
Legislators seek to ban risky mining practices in BWCA wilderness watershed
New legislation has been announced at the Minnesota state capitol, seeking to strengthen protections of the Boundary Waters from mining pollution. Chief authors Sen. Kelly Morrison and Rep. Sandra Feist seek to put legal restrictions on four specific mining practices they say represent unacceptable risk upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Company exploring possible helium extraction near Boundary Waters
Gas deposit discovered a decade ago is target of new extraction efforts.
Birch Lake near BWCAW polluted by sulfate, advocates blame taconite mines
Extensive citizen science provides data showing existing mines are dumping sulfate into sensitive waters.
Twin Metals files legal appeal to force mineral rights renewal
Twin Metals, the company seeking to operate a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, has appealed a recent federal court decision that blocked its mine proposal from proceeding. U.S. District Court judge Christopher Cooper dismissed a Twin Metals lawsuit in September, a decision the subsidiary of Chilean conglomerate Antofagasta PLC is now seeking to overturn.
Twin Metals seeks minerals on state lands after feds block mine
Despite lawsuits, Twin Metals pursues copper-nickel mine near the South Kawishiwi River in northeastern MN. Mining project threatens popular lake in BWCAW watershed.
Twin Metals loses lawsuit seeking renewal of mineral leases
Federal court rejects attempt to overturn cancellation of 57-year-old licenses to extract public resources.
Minnesota Supreme Court revokes PolyMet permit, criticizes secrecy
Justices find that state and federal agencies concealed concerns about water pollution potential.
PolyMet mine permit revoked for failure to meet tribal water regulations
Army Corps revokes key PolyMet permit after push from Fond du Lac Band, saving 900+ acres of wetlands. The company behind proposed copper-nickel mine must start over on application.
DNR considers BWCA mining buffer zone expansion
Minnesota DNR announces its undertaking rulemaking to protect the Boundary Waters wilderness from noise and light pollution related to mining.
Report documents how “model mines” actually contaminate environment
Professor of geology studied several mines that supposedly have not polluted, and found they don’t meet proposed Minnesota standards.
Rep. Stauber seeks to overturn Boundary Waters mining ban, hosts field hearing
Northern Minnesota Congressman introduces legislation that would end 20-year ban recently announced by Biden administration.
Court to consider challenges to PolyMet mine proposal this week
The merits of PolyMet Mining Corp.’s plan to seal its waste in clay to prevent pollution are being closely debated in a St. Paul courtroom this week.
Former MN governor and legislators call on Walz administration to prevent pollution from proposed mines
Former governor Arne Carlson calls on Walz administration to protect MN water from the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine.
Beyond the Boundary Waters Mining Ban: What’s Next for Minnesota Wilderness
After last month’s announcement that protects the BWCAW for 20 years, more threats and protection work remains.