Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Tuesday that the state will not be processing permits for proposed mining projects within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This decision comes four months after the federal ban on mining in the area was lifted by the U.S. Congress and President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Boundary Waters stretch approximately 240 kilometers along the Minnesota-Canada border in the Superior National Forest, located just south of Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario. The region is a popular destination for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts who engage in activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and camping each year.
Governor Walz, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of preserving the wilderness in its natural state, stating, “It’s our responsibility as Minnesotans to ensure the sanctity of this place remains untouched and unspoiled.”
While Walz’s executive order is temporary and set to expire in April, the next governor could potentially extend it. Currently, there are no immediate mining projects underway in the area, although Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has expressed interest in mining for copper, nickel, and other metals in the national forest since 2019. The company asserts that their mining practices would be environmentally conscious, with plans to avoid storing waste rock above ground to prevent potential acid contamination.
Concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impact of mining activities in the region, particularly in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which is located downstream from the proposed mine site.
In April, President Trump signed a resolution passed by Congress that lifted the federal moratorium on mining in the forest, citing job creation and industry growth as key benefits. However, Governor Walz’s order prohibits Minnesota regulators from participating 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 permitting procedures for mining proposals while legal disputes over state mining regulations are ongoing. Governor Walz has also called for the drafting of legislation by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to ban nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed.
Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican, criticized Governor Walz, accusing him of jeopardizing the livelihoods of residents in northern Minnesota. Stauber denounced the governor’s actions, claiming they disregard years of thorough review, environmental studies, and substantial private investments in the mining sector.
Becky Rom, chairperson of the advocacy group Save the Boundary Waters, commended Governor Walz for his decision, echoing concerns about the incompatibility of copper mining with the preservation of the Boundary Waters. Rom emphasized the importance of safeguarding the region’s clean water sources, pristine wilderness, and thriving outdoor economy for future generations.
James Coleman, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, highlighted that Governor Walz’s order introduces uncertainty into potential mining projects, as federal approval may be contingent on state approval. Coleman noted the lengthy timeline for project completion and the influence of shifting political dynamics at both state and federal levels on the mining industry’s trajectory.