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 spans approximately 240 kilometers along the Minnesota-Canada border within the Superior National Forest, just south of Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario. It is a popular destination for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and camping.
Governor Walz, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of preserving the wilderness in its natural state, stating, “It’s our responsibility as Minnesotans to protect this sacred place from harm and maintain its pristine condition.”
Although Governor Walz’s executive order is temporary and set to expire in April, the next governor could choose to uphold it. Currently, there are no immediate mining projects in progress in the area. However, Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been pursuing permits to mine for copper, nickel, and other valuable metals in the national forest since 2019, promising a waste-free operation.
Concerns have been raised about potential environmental impacts, as the proposed mining site is located near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which could be affected by pollution from mining activities.
In April, President Trump signed a resolution lifting the federal moratorium on mining in the forest, citing job creation and economic benefits for the mining industry. Governor Walz’s order prohibits Minnesota regulators from participating in federal environmental reviews of nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed, which is connected to the Boundary Waters.
Additionally, the state will not conduct environmental assessments or issue permits for mining projects while legal disputes over state mining regulations are ongoing. Governor Walz has also called for legislation to ban nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed.
U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican, criticized Governor Walz’s decision, accusing him of jeopardizing the economic livelihood of northern Minnesota residents. However, advocates like Becky Rom from Save the Boundary Waters commended the governor for taking action to protect the region’s natural resources.
James Coleman, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, highlighted the uncertainty that Governor Walz’s order introduces for proposed mining projects, noting that changes in political leadership at the state or federal level could impact the approval process and timelines for such projects.