Congressional Republicans have sent President Donald Trump a resolution that would lift a federal ban on mining near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, hoping to clear the way for a South American company to extract precious metals from the region’s pristine forests, lakes and bogs.
The House Republicans approved the resolution last month despite conservationists’ warnings that the move would lead to devastating pollution in one of the country’s last remaining wild areas. The Senate followed suit Thursday, voting 50-49 to send the measure to Trump for his signature.
Democrats argued on the Senate floor that lifting the ban would set a dangerous precedent that could lead to lifting protections on public lands across the country. Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith warned Republicans were stealing part of their state’s identity.
Klobuchar, who has supported iron mining in the past but is now running for Minnesota governor, called the Boundary Waters a place of “mist over meadows” and “sunlight on leaves.” Smith said the GOP was ignoring Minnesotans who don’t want to see the wilderness area destroyed.
“You can support mining, but that does not mean you support every mine in every place,” Smith said. No Republicans spoke on the lifting the ban.
Stars, solitude and silence
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness stretches for about 150 miles (about 240 kilometers) in the Superior National Forest along Minnesota’s border with Canada. It’s a land of crystalline lakes, vast forests, and striking sunsets. Logging is prohibited, and the wilderness attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually.
Company eyes region’s metals
Part of the national forest encompassing the wilderness area sits on the Duluth Complex, a rich rock formation containing various minerals. Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Chile-based Antofagasta Minerals, submitted a mining plan intending to create hundreds of jobs while also providing tax revenues for northeastern Minnesota.
Despite federal backlash and a moratorium instituted by the Biden administration, the company is pursuing operations. A federal judge dismissed their lawsuit about lease validity in 2023, but they are appealing.
Environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts push back
Lifting the moratorium would permit mining near the Boundary Waters, triggering strong resistance from environmentalists and locals who fear pollution could disrupt the area's ecology. Notably, prominent voices, including descendants of Theodore Roosevelt, have voiced their objections.
Twin Metals promised an environmentally safe project
The mining company insists that it will employ environmentally safe practices, claiming that the mine will utilize advanced technology to mitigate climate impacts.
Company needs permits and could face court challenges
While Trump is expected to sign the resolution, the mining project could still face extensive delays due to required state permits and potential legal battles initiated by environmental groups.
