UPDATE: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has just approved exploratory drilling by Franconia Minerals near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, igniting intense environmental concerns. Under this plan, Franconia Minerals, a subsidiary of Twin Metals Minnesota, is set to drill at 19 different sites around Birch Lake, raising alarms among conservationists.
This decision allows Twin Metals to advance its plans for an underground copper-nickel mine in a region critical to Minnesota’s ecological balance. The proposed mine would be located just northeast of Birch Lake, directly impacting the water quality flowing into the Boundary Waters via the Kawishiwi River. Environmental advocates, including the Friends of the Boundary Waters, are denouncing the DNR’s move, arguing that it jeopardizes one of the nation’s most pristine wilderness areas.
In a letter dated December 29, 2023, Joseph Henderson, the DNR’s Division of Land and Minerals director, confirmed the approval, stating that Franconia must adopt protective measures for the environment. Despite these assurances, critics emphasize that the decision reflects a troubling trend of prioritizing mining interests over environmental protection.
Chris Knopf, executive director of Friends of the Boundary Waters, expressed profound disappointment, stating, “Governor Walz’s DNR capitulated to foreign mining interests by approving exploratory drilling at the edge of the wilderness.” He emphasized that the state agency had the authority to reject this plan but chose not to do so despite significant public opposition.
The controversy surrounding Twin Metals is not new. Former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton vehemently opposed the company’s mining projects, citing the “inherent risks” they pose to the Boundary Waters. In a 2016 letter, he denied Twin Metals access to state lands for preparatory work, highlighting the ongoing debate over the ecological risks versus economic benefits of mining in the area.
Current Governor Tim Walz has previously voiced concerns about the mine but has refrained from continuing his predecessor’s ban, citing potential legal challenges. As the political landscape shifts, the Biden administration also took significant steps to mitigate Twin Metals’ ambitions by canceling two federal mineral leases and imposing a 20-year mining ban on 225,000 acres of the Superior National Forest, which shares its watershed with the Boundary Waters.
However, the recent approval by the DNR marks a pivotal moment. Twin Metals maintains that exploratory drilling is essential for understanding the region’s mineral deposits, arguing that it does not equate to mining. “Exploration is fundamental to mapping out the characteristics of our mineral deposits,” stated Twin Metals spokesperson Kathy Graul.
As this situation develops, the future of the Boundary Waters remains uncertain. Critics warn that any mining activity poses a threat to the region’s delicate ecosystem, while supporters tout potential economic benefits. The DNR’s decision may lead to heightened tensions between environmentalists and mining advocates, making it imperative for citizens to stay informed and engaged.
What’s next? The Friends of the Boundary Waters plan to ramp up their advocacy efforts, urging the public and lawmakers to reconsider the implications of this decision. As the debate continues, all eyes will be on Minnesota as both environmentalists and mining interests prepare for an unfolding battle over the future of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Share your thoughts on this urgent issue and stay tuned for updates as we monitor this developing story.
