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 Minnesota’s border with Canada 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, has been exploring the possibility of mining for copper, nickel, and other metals in the national forest. The company claims it can conduct mining operations without leaving waste rock above ground, thus minimizing environmental impact.
Environmental concerns have been raised about potential pollution from mining activities affecting the nearby canoe area. President Trump previously lifted a federal moratorium on mining in the forest to stimulate job creation and support the mining industry.
Under Walz’s order, Minnesota regulators will not participate in federal environmental reviews of nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, which is connected to the Boundary Waters area. The state will also refrain from conducting environmental reviews or permitting work on mining proposals during ongoing litigation over state mining regulations.
Representative Pete Stauber criticized Governor Walz’s actions, accusing him of jeopardizing the economy and way of life in northern Minnesota. However, Becky Rom, chairperson of the advocacy group Save the Boundary Waters, expressed support for Governor Walz’s decision, citing the incompatibility of copper mining with the preservation of the wilderness and clean water.
Legal expert James Coleman highlighted the added uncertainty that Walz’s order brings to proposed mining projects, noting the complex process of obtaining both state and federal approvals. Partisan shifts in politics at either level could impact the progress of mining ventures in the region.