NorthMet copper nickel mining permit revoked by U.S. Army Corps.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has revoked the Clean Water Act “Section 404” wetlands permit for the proposed NorthMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota due to concerns about downstream water quality requirements of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The decision is a significant setback for NewRange Copper Nickel, which controls the deposit and is seeking to build the $1 billion project. The company can submit a new application for a wetlands permit or challenge the decision in federal court. The NorthMet mine needs several key approvals before construction can begin.