U.S. President Donald Trump has removed a federal prohibition on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota, paving the way for a South American firm interested in the region’s valuable metals to start seeking permits. Environmental advocates are worried that this decision could set a precedent for dismantling other safeguards for public lands nationwide. Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, an affiliate of Antofagasta Minerals based in Chile, has been exploring the possibility of extracting copper, nickel, and other precious metals in the Superior National Forest since 2019.
The canoe area is situated within the national forest near the mine site, raising concerns that excavation activities might lead to pollution that could harm one of the country’s few remaining unspoiled areas. In 2023, the previous administration under President Joe Biden imposed a 20-year ban on mining in the national forest, delaying Twin Metals’ development plans.
However, Trump’s administration, aiming to enhance domestic energy and mineral production, received a resolution from congressional Republicans to lift the ban earlier this month, asserting that doing so would create job opportunities and revitalize the mining sector in Minnesota’s Iron Range. The president endorsed the resolution on Monday.
In a statement, Ingrid Lyons, the executive director of Save the Boundary Waters, expressed disappointment over the decision, calling it a setback for the cherished wilderness area and a concerning signal for public lands nationwide. She emphasized the need to safeguard such iconic places, highlighting the public’s resounding call for protection.
Twin Metals’ spokesperson, Kathy Graul, mentioned that lifting the ban presents an opportunity to reinforce mineral supply chains but emphasized that the company still has to navigate a rigorous permit application process, which could extend over several years due to the complex regulatory framework involving state, federal, and private lands at the mine site.
The company faces the initial challenge of regaining mining rights after its federal site leases were revoked by the Department of the Interior during the Biden administration in early 2022. Although Twin Metals filed a lawsuit to affirm the leases’ validity, the case was dismissed in 2023, prompting the company to appeal the ruling.
To proceed, Twin Metals must secure a mining permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources by demonstrating its ability to prevent water contamination, manage waste rock safely, and restore the land post-mining. Additionally, the company will need state permits related to water and air quality.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat who opposed lifting the ban, could pose a significant obstacle for Twin Metals if she wins the gubernatorial race in November. Environmental organizations and Indigenous groups might challenge the company’s permits in court, potentially causing delays in its plans. Litigation remains a viable option, as highlighted by Friends of the Boundary Waters.
Furthermore, Canadian officials may raise concerns about potential transboundary pollution violating treaties with the U.S., given the proximity of the mine to the Canadian border. The Boundary Waters serves as a natural divider between northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario, with Quetico Provincial Park, another pristine wilderness area known for its backcountry canoe routes, located on the Canadian side.
The region remains largely untouched by human activity, with strict regulations in place to preserve its natural beauty. Logging is prohibited, aircraft must adhere to minimum altitude restrictions when flying over the area, and motorized boats are restricted to specific zones. Between 2020 and 2024, the U.S. Forest Service issued approximately 776,000 visitor permits for the area.
