Senate Clears Path for Copper-Nickel Mine Near Boundary Waters

The Senate narrowly approved a resolution to repeal a moratorium and allow new mining across more than 225,000 acres of the Superior National Forest near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a move that would enable Twin Metals Minnesota (a unit of Antofagasta) to pursue a copper-nickel mine close to the protected lakes and forests. The House has already passed the measure, and it goes to President Trump, who is expected to sign. Environmentalists, Native American tribes, and fishing/hunting groups have warned of water contamination and ecological damage, while supporters say the mine would provide domestic minerals and jobs; the Biden administration previously banned mining there until 2043, complicating Twin Metals’ plans.