Study of Mine Waste Impacts on Wild Rice Released
Research on how sulfates affect the official state grain of Minnesota will be used to determine if a key water quality standard should be changed.
Mining
Recent Developments in the PolyMet Environmental Review
The statewide conversation continues with high-stakes advocacy and calls for caution.
Key Coverage of the PolyMet Environmental Review Release
Media around the state published information about the sulfide mining milestone.
Polls Show Declining Public Support for New Mine Proposals
Survey conducted by Mining Truth coalition shows as residents learn details about mine proposals, opposition increases.
Release Date Set for Revised PolyMet Environmental Review
Starting late this fall, the public will have a chance to review and comment on the amended environmental review for the first proposed copper-nickel mine in northern Minnesota. The Minnesota Department …
New Version of PolyMet Environmental Review Released to Cooperating Agencies
A revised draft of the environmental review for the first-ever copper mining project proposed in Minnesota has been completed. PolyMet Mining Corp.’s new document has been distributed to the Minnesota Department of …
Anti-mining Activists to Open Office in Ely
New mine proposals in northeastern Minnesota have prompted a group of local citizens and businesses to plan an anti-mining “action center” on Ely’s Sheridan Street. The office will provide information to …
Proposed Legislation Could Undermine the Wilderness Act and the Protection of Wilderness
On the surface, two proposed pieces of legislation appear unrelated to wilderness protection. The Sportsmen’s Heritage Act seeks “to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting.” The National …
Spruce Road Copper Estimate Doubles
The world’s largest untapped copper deposit just got bigger. Twin Metals, Inc. now estimates its resource near Ely holds more than 8-billion pounds of copper.
State Mineral Exploration Leases Approved
The Minnesota Executive Committee agreed to permit exploration for minerals on state lands and privately held land where the state owns the minerals rights.
Forest Service Okays Mineral Exploration Plan
The U.S. Forest Service has approved a plan for mining companies to expand the exploration for minerals in the Superior National Forest near Ely.
Court Upholds State’s Sulfate Rules
A Ramsey County Court judge upheld Minnesota’s restrictions on sulfate pollution in waters that host wild rice plants, denying a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce challenge that the rules were vague and arbitrarily applied.
Cravaack: PolyMet Review by October
Minnesota 8th District Representative Chip Cravaack expects the revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the PolyMet precious metal mine near Babbitt to be released by October.
Dog Teams Carry Mining Petitions
Environmental advocates concerned about mining in northeastern Minnesota are using dog teams to carry petitions to the state capitol in St. Paul.
Northshore Mining Fined $240,175
Northshore Mining was fined $240,175 by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency after its taconite processing plant in Silver Bay was cited for 30 air quality violations in 2010 and 2011.
Mining Update
By Charlie Mahler While industry leaders, environmental activists, and northeastern Minnesota stakeholders await publication of the revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement for PolyMet Mining’s proposed copper-nickel and precious metals mine, mining …
Northern Minnesota Prepares for New Era in Mining
By Charlie Mahler, Wilderness News Contributor Three new mining projects inside and adjacent to the Superior National Forest signal a new era in northern Minnesota mining. In a region known world-wide …