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, spanning approximately 240 kilometers along the Minnesota-Canada border in the Superior National Forest, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Governor Walz, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of preserving this pristine and untouched natural area.
However, Governor Walz’s executive order is temporary and is set to expire in April, 90 days after his term ends. It leaves room for the next governor to either continue or reverse the decision. Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been pursuing mining activities for copper, nickel, and other metals in the national forest since 2019, assuring that their operations will not leave waste rock exposed above ground to prevent potential environmental harm.
The concern over potential pollution arises from the proximity of the proposed mine site to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area within the national forest. President Trump’s decision to lift the federal moratorium on mining in the forest in 2023 was aimed at creating jobs and supporting the mining industry.
Governor Walz’s order specifies that Minnesota regulators will not participate in federal environmental reviews of nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, connected to the Boundary Waters. The state will also refrain from conducting environmental reviews or issuing permits for mining projects during ongoing litigation over state mining regulations.
In response, U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican, criticized Governor Walz for his actions, accusing him of jeopardizing the livelihoods of northern Minnesota residents. Advocates like Becky Rom, chairperson of Save the Boundary Waters, lauded the governor’s decision, highlighting the incompatibility of copper mining with the environmental integrity of the Boundary Waters.
Legal expert James Coleman from the University of Minnesota Law School noted that Governor Walz’s order introduces ambiguity into future mining projects, as securing both federal and state approvals could become increasingly challenging with changing political landscapes at the state and federal levels.