Stay up-to-date on proposed mining projects near the BWCAW and Superior National Forest, including the latest updates on Twin Metals and PolyMet, permitting status, court challenges, possible threats to the north woods environment, communities, air and water quality. See the map for locations and proximity to wilderness areas and watersheds.
TOP MINING STORIES:
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.
Biden administration bans mining in Boundary Waters watershed for 20 years
Agency order protects wilderness from mining pollution for maximum time allowed by law.
New legislation to block mining in Boundary Waters watershed
If passed, copper-nickel mining would not be allowed anywhere where water flows toward wilderness.
Rep. Stauber bill would shorten environmental review for mine proposals
Northern Minnesota member of Congress seeks to speed up approval of mine proposals like Twin Metals.
New methods to remove sulfate pollution from mining may help protect wild rice
New technology being tested by the U of M could remove sulfate pollution from wastewater and mining discharge, but will it be soon enough for wild rice?
New lawsuit challenges Biden decisions to block mining near BWCA
Lawyers argue most recent reversal should be overturned once again.