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:
Twin Metals proposes using “dry stacking” mine waste storage technique
Company announces change in plans to avoid using traditional, less safe waste storage technique that nearby PolyMet proposal will use. Some environmental groups have promoted dry stacking but questions remain.
Legislation initiates discussion of stricter laws for storing mine waste
Pair of Minnesota lawmakers propose following Montana’s lead in strengthening rules about the design and oversight of tailings dam, in response to recent catastrophes in other countries.
Lawsuits move forward against both major Minnesota copper mine proposals
Lawyers for environmental groups argued last week that Twin Metals’ mineral leases should never have been renewed, and that PolyMet’s land exchange was a bad deal for the public.
Star Tribune editorial board calls for release of Forest Service mining study
Star Tribune says Trump officials should justify how they decided to cancel an environmental review and reopen the opportunity for a mining proposal near the Boundary Waters to proceed.
Young people invited to apply for Washington, D.C. trip to lobby for Boundary Waters protection
Youth organization that works to protect the Boundary Waters from copper-nickel mining pollution is organizing another event to provide high school and college students the chance to tell policymakers their stories and ask for stewardship.
Federal government announces plan to renew Twin Metals mineral leases
Public input is now being accepted on a document that describes new leases and conditions to restrict mining impacts.
Historical documents related to Twin Metals mineral leases support Obama decision to reject renewal
Newly-found records show government fought against long-term leases and put caveats on the terms to ensure expedient mineral development.
Environmental groups sue to stop PolyMet, strengthen Minnesota mining regulations
Eight organizations file lawsuits to challenge permits for the state’s first copper mine and revise rules.
Members of Congress request details on reopening Boundary Waters watershed to mining
Two key Democrats have sent a letter to administration officials seeking evidence to back up the September decision.
Former Forest Service leader calls for continued protection of Boundary Waters
Retired leader of agency who took steps to prevent mining pollution from harming the wilderness says continued protection is important.
Trump administration re-opens Boundary Waters watershed to mining
Federal government decides to let mining companies acquire leases to explore and extract minerals…
Report: Boundary Waters has greater long-term economic potential than mining
Harvard economist issue report comparing twenty years of wilderness protection to permitting the Twin Metals mine over the same span.
Filmmakers seek support to produce documentary about northern Minnesota mining conflict
‘7 Generations’ seeks to celebrate the Arrowhead’s natural wonders and call attention to the potential for water pollution from proposed copper mines.
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.
The State of the Boundary Waters Report
How healthy is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness really? Will the Boundary Waters survive climate change, mining, invasive species and the myriad of issues faced today? The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness released an extensive and revealing report…
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.
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.
Federal government restores mineral leases in Boundary Waters watershed
Twin Metals is getting mineral leases back that it lost in 2016, as the Trump administration continues to reverse Obama-era decisions.