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, following the lifting of a federal ban by the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration four months ago.
The Boundary Waters area, spanning approximately 240 kilometers along the Minnesota-Canada border in the Superior National Forest near Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park, attracts numerous outdoor enthusiasts annually.
Governor Walz, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of preserving the wilderness in its natural state, stating, “It’s our responsibility as Minnesotans to safeguard this sacred place from harm.”
Although Walz’s executive order has a limited timeframe and is set to expire in April, the next governor could potentially extend it. Currently, there are no immediate mining projects in progress, but Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been pursuing copper, nickel, and other mineral extraction in the national forest since 2019, with promises of environmentally responsible practices.
Concerns have been raised about potential pollution risks to the Boundary Waters from mining operations in the nearby area. President Trump’s decision to lift the federal moratorium on mining in the forest was aimed at job creation and boosting the mining sector.
Under the new order, Minnesota regulators will not participate in federal environmental reviews related to nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, connected to the Boundary Waters. The state will also refrain from engaging in environmental reviews or permitting for mining proposals amidst ongoing legal disputes over state mining regulations.
Governor Walz has additionally called for legislation to prohibit nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed to further protect the environment. In response, U.S. Representative Pete Stauber criticized the Governor, accusing him of jeopardizing the region’s livelihoods and investments.
Becky Rom, chair of the advocacy group Save the Boundary Waters, commended Governor Walz for his actions, emphasizing the incompatibility of copper mining with the preservation of the Boundary Waters ecosystem. University of Minnesota law professor James Coleman highlighted the increased uncertainty surrounding mining projects due to the shifting political landscape at the state and federal levels.