Minnesota DNR required to review mining issues
State agency will debate PolyMet tailings permit and evaluate overall regulations.
Mining
Report: water quality “pristine” in Boundary Waters watersheds needs protection
New reports detail pristine waters of northeastern Minnesota, threats to the health, and strategies to protect them.
Court rejects PolyMet air pollution permit
Judges rule that state agency must consider company’s true plans for proposed copper mine.
Minnesota mining engineer says copper mine near Boundary Waters is ‘too risky’
Experienced engineer from Iron Range publicly states opposition to proposed Twin Metals mine.
EPA recognizes PolyMet mine could pollute tribal waters
In significant decision, federal agency says pollution from the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine “may affect” downstream lakes and rivers under the jurisdiction of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Courts decide key issues concerning mining near Boundary Waters
A series of rulings has offered wins and losses for both environmental groups and mining proponents.
EPA identifies Minnesota wild rice waters affected by mine waste, sets up legal battle
Federal agency overrules state’s efforts to ignore sulfate pollution.
Parts of proposed PolyMet project’s mine permit rejected by state Supreme Court
Justices reverse state decisions about indefinite water treatment and tailings basin liner, while upholding other points.
Minnesota representatives introduce legislation to block and boost mining proposals
Members of Congress offer competing bills on copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Brook trout found in Dunka River could be threatened by mining pollution
State assessment finds a coldwater stream with wild fish thriving — in the shadow of major mines.
Boundary Waters named an endangered waterway
BWCAW is #3 on the list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers, threatened by pollution from proposed mine.
Senator Smith calls for Biden appointees to finish mining study and consider 20-year prohibition
Letter requests new administration complete its analysis of whether mining can be done safely in Boundary Waters watershed.
Federal officials pause both Twin Metals and PolyMet copper-nickel mine proposals
Government attorneys, engineers, and scientists hit the brakes on both proposed mines in Minnesota’s northwoods.
Proposed changes to Minnesota clean water standards could loosen restrictions on pollution
State seeks to use new method to assess discharge from mines and other industrial facilities — discarding long-standing allowable levels.
Minnesota representatives seek to block mining bans
New legislation prohibits the executive branch from enacting moratoriums that could block proposed mine near the Boundary Waters.
Prove It First bill and a Path to Permanent Protection
Elected officials and environmental groups roll out plans for legislation and other actions to prevent contamination.
MN DNR seeks more specifics about Twin Metals mine proposal and possible impacts
New rounds of correspondence between DNR and mining company tries to nail down details needed for environmental review.
Legislators and advocates call for “Prove It First” copper-nickel mining law in Minnesota
Legislation would require high standard of evidence that a mine can be operated without polluting. “Before they put a shovel into the ground…”
Federal government will review mining exploration’s impacts on endangered species
Agency agrees to consider how copper prospecting near Boundary Waters could affect lynx and bats.
DNR and wilderness advocates agree on review of state’s mining rules
Legal settlement requires DNR to determine if untested regulations are strong enough to protect Boundary Waters.