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.
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.
Advocates for clean water warn that a mining project near Lake Superior could harm human health and the environment in the long term.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gas deposit discovered a decade ago is target of new extraction efforts.
Extensive citizen science provides data showing existing mines are dumping sulfate into sensitive waters.
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.
Despite lawsuits, Twin Metals pursues copper-nickel mine near the South Kawishiwi River in northeastern MN. Mining project threatens popular lake in BWCAW watershed.
Federal court rejects attempt to overturn cancellation of 57-year-old licenses to extract public resources.
Justices find that state and federal agencies concealed concerns about water pollution potential.
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.
Minnesota DNR announces its undertaking rulemaking to protect the Boundary Waters wilderness from noise and light pollution related to mining.
Professor of geology studied several mines that supposedly have not polluted, and found they don’t meet proposed Minnesota standards.
Northern Minnesota Congressman introduces legislation that would end 20-year ban recently announced by Biden administration.
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.