Project 2025, founded by a coalition of conservative organizations, could impact the current mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). As a result, environmental advocates have raised concerns about the future of the wilderness. The coalition is urging the next Republican administration to overturn the 20-year ban on new mineral leasing by reinstating mining leases. In 2023, the Biden administration withdrew 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest from mineral and geothermal leasing laws for 20 years. This action protects the BWCAW and guards against potential adverse impacts from mining within the Rainy River Watershed.
The proposal
The Heritage Foundation, a research and educational institution dedicated to advancing conservative public policies, facilitated the proposal. The coalition recommends that the new administration “abandon withdrawals of lands from leasing…[including] the Boundary Waters area in northern Minnesota if those withdrawals have not been completed.” It also suggests that “they should revisit associated leases and permits for energy and mineral production in these areas in consultation with state elected officials” (Project 2025, p. 523). The current ban protects 225,000 acres adjacent to the wilderness within the Superior National Forest (SNF).
According to the Star Tribune, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has disavowed the project. “Some of his former cabinet members contributed to its creation and he had previously commended their efforts. Democrats have elevated the profile of Project 2025 by frequently criticizing its content, contending that it functions as a blueprint for a possible second Trump presidency,” the news service reported.
Separately, Representative Pete Stauber recently attached five amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act, aiming to overturn the 20-year mining ban near the BWCAW. While four of those amendments were defeated, one remains under review.
Advocacy groups’ concerns
Environmental groups contend that copper-nickel mining generates waste rock filled with sulfates and affects watersheds. Chris Knopf, Executive Director for Friends of the Boundary Waters, explained to the news agency, “The issue with this type of mining is that the ore vein contains sulfide, and when it’s exposed to air and water, it creates sulfuric acid, which is why there’s a significant water risk.” As a result, this process leaches toxins such as heavy metals into the water.
Furthermore, advocates worry about the potential impact on wilderness if leases are renewed. Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director of Save the Boundary Waters, noted that the leases were problematic. She said “In early 2022, those leases were found to have been unlawfully renewed by the Trump Administration and were revoked by the Department of Interior. At the time the mineral withdrawal was enacted, there were no held mineral leases on federal land in that area.”
She adds, “Project 2025 is a very telling document that starkly reminds us of what is at stake for our country’s public lands, including America’s most visited wilderness area—the Boundary Waters.”
Mining company cites focus on clean energy
Twin Metals, a subsidiary of Antofagasta, has previously applied for leases to drill. In addition, they have also sought to build a mining complex just south of the wilderness. As a result, the multinational company would like to reinstate mining leases within the Forest. In 2019, the company published a Mining Plan of Operations for a complex along the Birch Lake reservoir. The site would be located between Ely and Babbitt, Minnesota.
Dean DeBeltz, Twin Metals’ Vice President of External Relations and Project Operations, told the Star Tribune, “We at Twin Metals are focused on advancing a clean energy minerals project outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This project will be essential to our nation’s ability to transition to a cleaner future, bolster national security, create American jobs, and strengthen domestic supply chains.” However, the company has stated that it has no affiliation with anyone from Project 2025.
America’s most visited wilderness
The BWCAW was established in 1964 as Federally Designated Wilderness. It ranks as America’s most visited wilderness area. With over 165,000 annual visitors, the wilderness boosts the economy through tourism and recreation. Moreover, the region has some of the cleanest water on earth. However, if the watersheds are compromised, it could impact that standing.
More info:
- Project 2025 platform proposal aims to allow mining in Boundary Waters watershed – Star Tribune
- Project 2025 – Presidential Transitional Project
- Biden-Harris Administration Protects Boundary Waters Area Watershed – U.S. Department of the Interior
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.