Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Tuesday that the state will not be processing permits for proposed mining projects in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This decision comes after a federal ban was lifted by the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration four months ago.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness spans approximately 240 kilometers along the Minnesota-Canada border in the Superior National Forest, just south of Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, including canoeists, kayakers, and campers.
Governor Walz, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of preserving the wilderness in its natural state, stating, “It’s our responsibility as Minnesotans to protect this sacred place from harm.”
While Walz’s executive order is temporary and set to expire in April, the next governor could potentially extend it. Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been exploring mining opportunities for copper, nickel, and other metals in the national forest since 2019. The company asserts that it can conduct mining operations without leaving waste rock above ground, thereby mitigating environmental concerns such as acid pollution.
The potential mining site is located near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, raising fears that excavation activities could lead to water contamination. President Trump signed a resolution earlier this year, supported by Congress, to lift the federal moratorium on mining in the forest, citing economic benefits for the mining industry.
Under Walz’s order, Minnesota regulators will not participate in federal environmental reviews of nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, which is connected to the Boundary Waters. Additionally, the state will refrain from conducting environmental assessments or issuing permits for mining projects during ongoing legal disputes over state mining regulations.
Furthermore, Governor Walz has instructed the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to develop legislation prohibiting nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed. The move has sparked criticism from U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican, who accused Walz of jeopardizing the livelihoods of northern Minnesota residents.
Becky Rom, chairperson of the advocacy group Save the Boundary Waters, commended Governor Walz’s actions, asserting that copper mining poses a significant threat to the region’s water resources and natural landscapes. James Coleman, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, highlighted the uncertainty that Walz’s order introduces to future mining projects, noting the intricate approval processes at both state and federal levels.
