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, which spans approximately 240 kilometers along Minnesota’s border with Canada within the Superior National Forest, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who engage in activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and camping.
Governor Walz, a member of the Democratic Party, emphasized the importance of preserving the wilderness in its natural state, stating, “It is our responsibility as Minnesotans to ensure that this sacred place remains wild, pristine, and untouched.”
While Governor Walz’s executive order is in effect, it is temporary and will expire in April, 90 days after his term ends. This means that the next governor could choose to uphold or reverse the decision regarding mining permits in the area.
Although there are currently no active mining projects in the region, Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been pursuing opportunities to extract copper, nickel, and other valuable metals in the national forest since 2019. The company asserts that mining can be conducted without leaving waste rock above ground, thus minimizing environmental impact and the risk of acid pollution.
Concerns have been raised about potential pollution from mining activities in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which is located downstream from the proposed mine site.
In a separate development, President Trump signed a resolution passed by Congress in April, lifting the federal moratorium on mining in the forest. This move was intended to stimulate job creation and support the mining industry.
Governor Walz’s order also 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. Furthermore, the state will refrain from conducting environmental assessments or permitting work on mining proposals while legal disputes over state mining regulations are ongoing.
Additionally, Governor Walz has instructed the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to draft legislation prohibiting nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed.
U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican, criticized Governor Walz for what he described as an “assault on northern Minnesota and our way of life.” Stauber denounced the governor’s actions, claiming that years of thorough review, environmental analysis, and significant private investments had been disregarded.
Chairperson Becky Rom of the advocacy group Save the Boundary Waters commended Governor Walz for his decision, emphasizing that copper mining and the preservation of the Boundary Waters cannot coexist safely. Rom highlighted the importance of safeguarding clean water sources, pristine wilderness areas, and the outdoor economy that benefit generations of Minnesotans.
James Coleman, a professor at the University of Minnesota law school, noted that Governor Walz’s order introduces uncertainty for any proposed mining projects. Coleman highlighted the complex and lengthy process of obtaining both state and federal approvals for such projects, emphasizing the potential challenges posed by shifting partisan dynamics at the state and federal levels.
