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:
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?
Congressional committee passes ban on copper mining near Boundary Waters
A bill sponsored by Rep. Betty McCollum to permanently prohibit mining copper and other sulfide ore in the watershed of the Boundary Waters wilderness cleared a key House committee this week…
Forest Service says copper-nickel mining threatens Boundary Waters
“The environmental assessment released today provides a strong scientific foundation for a 20-year ban on copper mining near the Boundary Waters…”
EPA says PolyMet permit threatens waters with mercury pollution
Federal agency declares mine would cause pollution unacceptable to Fond du Lac Band.
Wilderness advocate to run 110 miles across Boundary Waters for clean water awareness
“Where else can you run 100 miles and not have to carry water with you? That clean water is worth protecting.”
EPA identifies Minnesota wild rice waters affected by mine waste, sets up legal battle
Federal agency overrules state’s efforts to ignore sulfate pollution.
New lawsuit challenges how Twin Metals mineral leases were renewed without review
Numerous groups argue that federal government failed to follow law when issuing controversial leases to search for minerals on public land.
Clean Water Act rollback could make it difficult to protect BWCAW water from mining pollution
Proposal from federal government could block MN from protecting lakes and rivers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Flashback: A New Yorker tried to mine copper inside the Boundary Waters
George St. Clair’s efforts to exercise mineral rights he had inherited set off battles in the courts, the newspapers, and legislative bodies from St. Paul to Washington, D.C.
Federal court upholds Twin Metals mineral leases
Major blow to wilderness protection comes as judge rules in favor of reversal, restoring leases to company seeking to mine at edge of Boundary Waters.
Northern Minnesota mining reports from Trump administration met with criticism
Government agencies release confidential and redacted documents that fail to satisfy wilderness advocates who requested them.
Tribal group supports legislation to prevent mining near Boundary Waters
Coalition of Ojibwe bands calls on Congress to pass legislation blocking copper-nickel mines in the wilderness watershed.
DNR and PolyMet appeal order to conduct judicial review of controversial copper mine permits
State and mining company ask Supreme Court to review decision by Court of Appeals that requires a contested case hearing to consider facts affecting permits in front of a judge.
House committee holds hearing on McCollum bill to block mining in wilderness watershed
Members of Congress questioned witnesses who testified about the Boundary Waters, the economy, and past decisions to protect northeastern Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.
New legislation in Congress would prohibit mining in Boundary Waters watershed
Bill introduced today by Rep. Betty McCollum seeks to stop any and all copper-nickel mining activity in parts of the Superior National Forest where water flows into the wilderness.
Federal legislation requires report on mining threat to international waters
Rep. McCollum includes funding for State Department to study effects on shared border waters, from proposed copper-nickel mining upstream in the Superior National Forest.
“Not this mine. Not this location.” – Star Tribune editorial calls for halt to Twin Metals
Biggest newspaper in the state says the risks are too great for copper-nickel mining near waters that flow into the wilderness area.
Minnesota will conduct own environmental review of Twin Metals mine proposal
DNR announces it will analyze the project on its own rather than in partnership with the federal government, unlike the PolyMet process.
Wilderness water and mining woes focus of mini-documentary
Revealing new report on the debate over Twin Metals mine proposal, features opinions in Ely and potential impacts on the Superior National Forest.