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, adjacent to Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, including canoeists, kayakers, and campers.
Governor Walz, a member of the Democratic party, emphasized the importance of preserving the wilderness in its natural state, stating, “It’s our responsibility as Minnesotans to protect this sacred place and keep it untouched.”
While Walz’s executive order is temporary and set to expire in April, the next governor could choose to extend it. One of the mining companies interested in the area is Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, which has been exploring the potential for copper, nickel, and other metals mining in the national forest since 2019. The company asserts that it can conduct mining operations without storing waste rock above ground to prevent environmental harm.
Concerns have been raised about the potential pollution that could result from mining activities in the national forest affecting the nearby canoe area. President Trump’s lifting of the federal moratorium on mining in the forest in April aimed to stimulate job creation and bolster the mining industry.
Under the governor’s order, Minnesota regulators will not participate in federal environmental reviews related to nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, which is connected to the Boundary Waters. The state will also refrain from conducting environmental assessments or issuing permits for mining projects during ongoing litigation over state mining regulations.
Governor Walz has directed the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to develop legislation prohibiting nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed. However, his actions have faced criticism from Republican U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, who accused Walz of jeopardizing the region’s economic livelihood.
Becky Rom, chairperson of the advocacy group Save the Boundary Waters, commended Governor Walz for his decision, emphasizing the incompatibility of copper mining with the preservation of the Boundary Waters. University of Minnesota law school professor James Coleman highlighted the uncertainty introduced by the governor’s order, noting the complexities of obtaining both state and federal approvals for mining projects.
