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, following the lifting of a federal ban by the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration four months ago.
Spanning approximately 240 kilometers along Minnesota’s border with Canada in the Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts annually, including canoeists, kayakers, and campers.
Governor Walz, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of preserving the pristine nature of the area, stating that it is the responsibility of Minnesotans to protect this sacred place from harm.
However, the longevity of Walz’s executive order is in question as it is set to expire in April, 90 days after his term ends, leaving room for the incoming governor to potentially reverse the decision.
While there are no immediate mining projects poised to begin, Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been actively pursuing the extraction of copper, nickel, and other valuable metals in the forest since 2019. The company asserts that their mining operations can be conducted without leaving any waste rock above ground, thereby mitigating the risk of environmental impact, particularly on the adjacent canoe area.
The controversy surrounding mining in the Boundary Waters was amplified in April when President Trump signed a resolution lifting the federal moratorium on mining in the forest, touting job creation and industry growth as benefits.
In response, Governor Walz’s order prohibits Minnesota regulators from participating in federal environmental reviews of nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, which is interconnected with the Boundary Waters. Additionally, the state will refrain from conducting environmental assessments or permitting activities for mining proposals during ongoing litigation over state mining regulations.
Furthermore, Walz is pushing for legislation to ban nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, a move that has drawn criticism from Republican U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, who accused the governor of jeopardizing the livelihoods of northern Minnesota residents.
Becky Rom, chairperson of the advocacy group Save the Boundary Waters, commended Governor Walz for his actions, asserting that copper mining poses a significant threat to the region’s water resources and natural beauty.
University of Minnesota law professor James Coleman highlighted the increased uncertainty surrounding mining projects due to the governor’s order, underscoring the potential challenges of navigating the complex approval processes amid shifting political landscapes at the state and federal levels.
