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 four months after the federal ban on mining in the area was lifted by the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness spans approximately 240 kilometers along the Minnesota-Canada border within the Superior National Forest, just south of Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. It is a popular destination for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and camping.
Governor Walz, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of preserving the pristine and untouched nature of the area, stating that it is the responsibility of Minnesotans to ensure its protection.
However, the Governor’s executive order is temporary and will expire in April, 90 days after he leaves office, leaving room for the next governor to uphold or overturn it. Despite the lack of immediate mining projects, Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been actively pursuing mining operations for copper, nickel, and other valuable metals in the national forest since 2019. The company asserts that it can conduct mining activities without leaving waste rock above ground to prevent potential environmental harm.
Concerns have been raised about the impact of mining on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which is situated downstream from the proposed mine site, potentially leading to pollution in the area.
In April, former 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 benefits. Governor Walz’s order stipulates that 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 permitting processes for mining proposals while legal disputes over state mining regulations are ongoing. Governor Walz has also instructed the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to develop legislation prohibiting nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed.
U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican, criticized Governor Walz, accusing him of waging a “war on northern Minnesota and our way of life.” Stauber lamented that years of thorough review, environmental studies, and significant private investments have seemingly been disregarded by the Governor’s actions.
Becky Rom, chairperson of the advocacy group Save the Boundary Waters, commended Governor Walz for his decision, highlighting the incompatibility of copper mining with the wilderness area. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding clean water sources, preserving the wilderness, and protecting the outdoor economy that is cherished by generations of Minnesotans.
James Coleman, a professor at the University of Minnesota law school, pointed out that Governor Walz’s order introduces uncertainty for proposed mining projects, as federal approvals often hinge on state support. Coleman noted the lengthy timeline for completing such projects and the potential challenges posed by shifting political landscapes at the state and federal levels.