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:
Proposed amendments aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban
Last week, Representative Pete Stauber attached five amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act. These aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While four of those amendments were defeated, one remains under review.
Biden administration builds on historic efforts toward clean water
The administration recently announced a goal to protect 30 percent of lands and waters throughout the United States by 2030. This includes protection from mining impacts near wilderness areas such as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
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.
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.
Boundary Waters receives ‘International Quiet Park’ designation
The BWCAW’s lack of human noise is recognized as increasingly important. This award honors the quietest places in the world.
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.
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.
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.