Governor Walz bans nonferrous mining near Boundary Waters
The directive stops reviews and permits in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order Aug. 18 banning nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, according to reporting by the Minnesota Reformer.. The order directs state agencies to stop environmental reviews and permits in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed and blocks new state mineral leases there.
If it stands, the order would likely kill Twin Metals' proposal to extract metals near Ely and Babbitt. State permits are required even on federal lands, and mining operations have not yet begun.
The directive also requires the immediate review of existing leases to strictly enforce compliance with their terms. MiningMinnesota, an industry group, criticized the move and claimed the order lacks legal standing.
Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe Chairman Carlos Hernandez praised Walz's efforts to uphold treaty obligations by protecting traditional homelands. The preservation of the Boundary Waters also holds personal significance for Walz, who noted his brother died during a 2016 camping trip in the wilderness area.
Because it is an executive order and not a state law, a future governor could choose to either continue the prohibition or reverse course.
- 1.Gov. Tim Walz signs executive order banning nonferrous mining near Boundary Waters. Minnesota Reformer, .
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