Effort to halt Superior National Forest mining study fails in Congress
Minnesota congressmen’s attempt to stop a federal review of mining in the Boundary Waters watershed ends after grassroots advocacy.
Mining
MCEA: Taking a stand for responsible mining
When it comes to the topic of mining in northern Minnesota, there’s often a familiar pattern to the discussion: people are for it or against it. And if they’re arguing for environmental protections, they’re probably against it. “There’s a false dichotomy that you’re either pro-mining or anti-mining…”
Three lawsuits filed to defend rejection of mineral leases near the Boundary Waters
Boundary Waters businesses, environmental groups challenge the Trump administration’s effort to restore leases to Twin Metals which are critical for its mine proposal.
“Kids for the Boundary Waters” launched to amplify young wilderness advocates
New group will organize and support young people seeking to ensure sound stewardship of canoe country.
New video documents canoe trip up Partridge River to PolyMet’s proposed mine site
Mining opponents show river and wetlands that would be most affected by the proposed copper-nickel mine in the Lake Superior basin.
Businesses, sporting groups, and environmentalists call on federal officials to block mining near Boundary Waters
Letters to leaders of two government agencies seek completion of study of mining in the wilderness watershed before proposals move forward.
Twin Metals proposes mine processing plant on Birch Lake
A facility near the Boundary Waters and upstream of the popular White Iron Chain of Lakes could process 20,000 tons of ore each day.
Berm washes out in Biwabik, spilling iron mine waste downstream
An embankment next to a historic iron mine pit was breached during spring melt, damaging infrastructure and contaminating local waters.
Officials withdraw change to wild rice protections, will restart work on sulfate standard
After being ruled too vague to protect rice or provide certainty to industries, state scientists will try to come up with a clearer way to implement research findings.
PolyMet says mine proposal has become less profitable
Rising costs and falling metal prices shed doubts on economic viability of the mine proposal.
From mercury to manoomin, sulfate causes ecological ripples in Minnesota waters
Common chemical in industrial discharges has far-reaching effects on lakes, rivers, and the plants that live in them.
Poll finds growing statewide opposition to copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters
Seventy percent of registered voters oppose mine proposals that threaten to pollute canoe country.
Cause for Hope: a Q&A with advocate Becky Rom
We catch up with Becky Rom, she has been heavily involved in the fight against sulfide-ore copper mining near the Boundary Waters and offered some key insights into the current political landscape.
Government to conduct abbreviated review of mining in wilderness watershed
Forest Service scales back analysis of proposed mining moratorium over objections of Boundary Waters advocates.
Writer: Ely area’s copper deposits have been controversial for decades
Newspaper reporter remembers formative years in Ely, learning about the conflict over copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters.
Draft permit released for PolyMet copper mine proposal in northern Minnesota
The major milestone is one of the final hurdles before the company can start mining, and initiates a two-month public comment period.
Trump administration renews mineral exploration near Boundary Waters
Twin Metals project gets new lease on life after Interior Department lawyer reverses policy and says government must allow access.
PolyMet and state agency disagree on mine proposal’s closure costs
Debate over ‘damage deposit’ ramps up with dueling reclamation estimates.
Twin Metals legislation passes House, Senate support seems elusive
A bill restoring mineral rights near the Boundary Waters squeaked through the House of Representatives last week, but doesn’t yet have a Senate author.
Legislation making mining easier in northern Minnesota moves forward in Congress
Two bills seeking to speed up the Twin Metals and PolyMet mine proposals are being voted on this week in Washington, D.C.