U.S. President Donald Trump has removed a federal restriction on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota, paving the way for a South American company interested in the area’s valuable metals to start seeking permits. The decision has raised concerns among environmentalists who fear it could set a precedent for weakening protections for public lands nationwide.
Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary 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 potential mining activity near the canoe area has sparked worries about potential pollution that could harm the pristine wilderness.
Former President Joe Biden’s administration had imposed a 20-year ban on mining in the national forest in 2023, putting a hold on Twin Metals’ plans. However, Trump, in line with his energy and mineral production agenda, signed a resolution earlier this month to lift the moratorium, citing job creation and revitalization of the mining sector in Minnesota’s Iron Range.
The move has drawn criticism from conservation groups like Save the Boundary Waters, with their executive director Ingrid Lyons calling it a “dark day” for the iconic wilderness area. Despite the lifting of the ban, Twin Metals must still navigate a stringent permitting process that could span several years due to the complex regulatory landscape involving state, federal, and private lands at the mine site.
Challenges await the company, including the need to reclaim mining rights after federal leases were terminated by the Biden administration. Twin Metals is pursuing legal avenues, as it faces the requirement to demonstrate its ability to prevent water pollution, manage waste rock securely, and restore the land post-mining. Additionally, the company must obtain state water and air permits, with potential opposition from politicians like U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and further hurdles from environmental groups, Indigenous tribes, and Canadian officials over cross-border pollution concerns.
The Boundary Waters, which separates parts of Minnesota and Ontario, is known for its untouched natural beauty and strict regulations to preserve its pristine condition. The U.S. Forest Service issued approximately 776,000 visitor permits for the area between 2020 and 2024, underscoring its popularity for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a remote and unspoiled wilderness experience.