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 the federal ban on mining in the area 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 within the Superior National Forest, near Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with thousands of visitors exploring its pristine wilderness each year.
Governor Walz, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of preserving the wilderness in its natural state. However, the executive order issued by Walz is temporary and is set to expire in April, 90 days after his term ends, allowing the next governor to potentially reverse it.
Although there are no immediate mining projects ready to proceed, Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been actively seeking permission to mine copper, nickel, and other valuable metals in the national forest since 2019. The company claims it can conduct mining operations without leaving waste rock above ground, thus minimizing environmental impacts like acid pollution.
Environmental concerns have been raised regarding potential pollution in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area if mining activities were to take place upstream from the area. Governor Walz’s order prohibits Minnesota regulators from participating in federal environmental reviews related to nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, which is connected to the Boundary Waters.
In response to the governor’s decision, Republican U.S. Representative Pete Stauber criticized Walz, accusing him of jeopardizing the livelihoods of residents in northern Minnesota. Despite the criticism, advocates like Becky Rom, chairperson of Save the Boundary Waters, support the governor’s action, citing the incompatibility of copper mining with the pristine nature of the Boundary Waters.
The order issued by Governor Walz also includes a directive for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to draft legislation that would ban nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed. This move adds an element of uncertainty to future mining projects in the region, according to James Coleman, a law professor at the University of Minnesota. Coleman highlighted the complexity and lengthy timeline of obtaining approvals for mining projects, noting the potential impact of changing political landscapes at both the state and federal levels.
Overall, Governor Walz’s decision to halt mining permits in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has sparked debate and raised questions about the future of mining activities in the region.