Minnesota DNR cancels Twin Metals mineral lease

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has canceled a state mineral lease held by Twin Metals Minnesota, specifically notifying its subsidiary, Franconia Minerals (US) LLC. The termination is set to become effective on November 10, 2026.

The DNR stated the decision follows a year-long review and was based on a determination that the company failed to meet the performance and production requirements of the lease. The canceled site is located south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and is situated on School Trust Lands, which are constitutionally designated to fund K-12 school districts in Minnesota.

Twin Metals Minnesota expressed disappointment, noting that the company has invested 16 years of exploration, geological, and environmental work at the site. The company emphasized that it remains committed to advancing sustainable underground mining projects in northeastern Minnesota and maintains that it still holds various other state, private, and mineral rights across the state.