The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced that it will suspend its review of the NewRange project’s copper-nickel sulfide permit until late next year. This decision marks a victory for environmental and water conservation groups that have long raised concerns about the mine’s practices.
Permitting process has been ongoing
PolyMet, now known as NewRange Copper Nickel, submitted permit applications to the DNR in 2018 and 2019 for a $1 billion project. The project includes developing an open-pit mine near Babbitt and a processing plant near Hoyt Lakes. Both are located in northern Minnesota. The proposed copper-nickel sulfide mine aims to produce metals used in industrial applications.
The DNR is responsible for regulating and overseeing mining activities in the state, including issuing permits for operation. The public learned about the PolyMet mining project in 2016 when the mine first submitted a permit application. Since then, clean water advocacy groups and their partners have filed several lawsuits against the state over the project. The mine would be the first of its kind in the state.
Nevertheless, many concerns remain about the mine’s practices and their potential threat to Minnesota’s water quality. After the PolyMet permit was issued by the DNR in 2018, environmental groups filed an appeal. They argued that the DNR must hold a hearing on the latest amendment to the mine’s proposal. In 2021, the Minnesota Supreme Court agreed. The court ruled that the DNR must hold a hearing to assess whether the proposed bentonite amendment complies with its Reactive Waste Rule. In response, the Minnesota DNR recently decided to suspend proceedings until August 2025. Grant Wilson, the DNR’s central region director, explained to MPR News, “The stay will prevent significant expenditure of time and resources on a matter that may become moot if PolyMet amends or withdraws its permit application.”
This isn’t the only recent PolyMet permit to raise concerns. In 2023, Minnesota’s highest court ruled against both the mining company and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regarding a permit the agency issued in 2018. In the process, the court commented that the MPCA did not take a thorough look at whether the permit complies with the Clean Water Act.
Mining company reviewing design
Swiss company Glencore owns NewRange, which announced several months ago that it is researching upgrades to the mine’s design. These include improvements in how they store waste tailings, manage water treatment, increase production, and minimize carbon emissions. Mining officials emphasized that any significant changes would require environmental reviews and permitting processes.
After the DNR’s decision, the mining company expressed its disappointment. They stated that the state agency needs to clarify and communicate what its rules mean.
If the permits are approved, the mine will move over 500 million tons of waste rock and ore over a span of 20 years. WaterLegacy reports that over 99% of what the mine would dig from the open pit would be waste.
Supporters advocate to deny permit
Almost a year ago, Administrative Law Judge James LaFave recommended that the DNR deny the permit application. His recommendation was based on several factors. The judge stated that the proposed use of bentonite to control tailings waste was “not a workable, practical reclamation technique.” Bentonite, a type of clay, is used for various industrial, environmental, and commercial purposes.
Environmental groups echoed this concern. Kathryn Hoffman, CEO of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, said, “The administrative law judge reviewed volumes of evidence and expert testimony warning that PolyMet’s proposal would fail to protect people downstream.” She continued, “The Minnesota DNR should heed the judge’s clear recommendation that the permit to mine be denied.”
Advocates also press for transparency in mining practices. JT Haines, northeastern Minnesota program director for the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, told MPR News, “The Minnesota DNR made an important decision.” He added, “This decision recognizes that PolyMet owes Minnesotans transparency and honesty instead of continuing to waste scarce resources and everyone’s time.”
Concerns over downstream impact
The Reactive Waste Rule protects natural resources and downstream communities from the risk of pollution. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the potential for heavy metals and sulfates to leach into the St. Louis River from the tailings basin. The St. Louis River originates in the Vermilion Range and is the largest tributary to Lake Superior. As a result, thousands of Minnesotans depend on the river for drinking water.
Ultimately, the mining proposal, initiated years ago, may be due for an overhaul. Paula Maccabee, Executive Director and Counsel for WaterLegacy says the mining proposal is problematic. “With changed operators and an uncertain plan, it’s time for the DNR to deny PolyMet’s application and send this flawed and dangerous mine project back to square one.”
More info:
- Minnesota DNR delays decision on key proposed copper-nickel mine permit – MPR News
- Polymet permit to mine review paused by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – Water Legacy
- Minnesota Finally Had a PolyMet Contested Case Hearing. What Does That Mean? – Minnesota Center For Environmental Advocacy
- Developers of stalled Minnesota copper-nickel mine plan studies that may lead to significant changes – AP News
Wilderness guide and outdoorswoman Pam Wright has been exploring wild places since her youth. Remaining curious, she has navigated remote lakes in Canada by canoe, backpacked some of the highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada, and completed a thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail. Her professional roles include working as a wilderness guide in northern Minnesota and providing online education for outdoor enthusiasts.