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 President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, located along the Minnesota-Canada border in the Superior National Forest, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Governor Walz, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of preserving the wilderness in its natural state.
Although Governor Walz’s executive order is temporary and set to expire in April, the next governor could choose to extend it. Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been pursuing mining activities for copper, nickel, and other metals in the national forest since 2019, asserting that it can be done without leaving waste rock above ground to prevent potential environmental harm.
Concerns have been raised about potential pollution if mining were to take place near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, as the wilderness area is downstream from the proposed mine site.
In response to the lifting of the federal moratorium on mining in the forest, Governor Walz’s order prohibits Minnesota regulators from participating in federal environmental reviews of nonferrous mining projects in the Rainy River watershed, which is connected to the Boundary Waters. Additionally, the state will not engage in environmental assessments or permitting processes for mining proposals amidst ongoing litigation related to state mining regulations.
U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican, criticized Governor Walz’s actions, accusing him of jeopardizing the economic prospects of northern Minnesota. However, Becky Rom, chairperson of the advocacy group Save the Boundary Waters, commended Governor Walz for taking steps to protect the wilderness area.
James Coleman, a professor at the University of Minnesota law school, highlighted that Governor Walz’s order introduces uncertainty for potential mining projects, as they require both state and federal approvals. The long-term implications of political shifts at either level could impact the fate of such projects.