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 U.S. Congress and President Donald Trump’s administration lifted a federal ban four months ago.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness spans approximately 240 kilometers along the Minnesota-Canada border in the Superior National Forest, adjacent to Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. The area 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 unspoiled.”
However, Walz’s executive order is temporary and is set to expire in April, 90 days after his term ends. The next governor could choose to either uphold or overturn the decision.
While there are no immediate mining projects in progress, Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been actively pursuing copper, nickel, and other mineral extraction in the national forest since 2019. The company asserts that its mining operations would be environmentally responsible, with no above-ground waste rock storage to mitigate acid pollution risks.
Concerns have been raised about potential pollution in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness due to its proximity to the proposed mining site. Trump’s lifting of the federal mining ban in the forest in April was aimed at job creation and boosting the mining industry.
Under Walz’s order, Minnesota regulators will not participate in federal environmental reviews for nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, which is connected to the Boundary Waters region. Additionally, the state will refrain from conducting environmental assessments or issuing permits for mining projects while legal disputes over state mining regulations continue.
Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican, criticized Governor Walz, accusing him of jeopardizing the livelihoods of northern Minnesota residents. Stauber argued that years of thorough examination, environmental evaluations, and substantial private investments have been disregarded by the governor’s decision.
Becky Rom, chairperson of the advocacy group Save the Boundary Waters, commended Governor Walz’s action, emphasizing the incompatibility of copper mining with the preservation of the Boundary Waters’ pristine environment and clean water sources.
Acknowledging the uncertainty introduced by Walz’s order, University of Minnesota law professor James Coleman highlighted the complex and lengthy process of obtaining approvals for mining projects, which can be influenced by changing political landscapes at the state and federal levels.