Minnesota Governor blocks mining near Boundary Waters

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has issued an executive order to block nonferrous mining projects in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, an area linked to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The order directs the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to halt new environmental reviews, permitting work, and the issuance of new state mining leases while litigation regarding state mining regulations is ongoing.

This action follows a decision by Congress and the Trump administration to lift a federal moratorium on mining in the Superior National Forest, which had previously restricted activities like copper and nickel extraction. Proponents of mining, including Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, argue these projects provide economic opportunities, while opponents and the Governor’s administration cite risks to water quality, wildlife, and a nearly $1 billion outdoor recreation economy.

Walz also intends to have the Department of Natural Resources draft legislation to permanently prohibit nonferrous mining in the watershed. U.S. Representative Pete Stauber criticized the move, characterizing it as an attack on the way of life in Northern Minnesota.