"The Minnesota governor signed an order that halts permitting of mining projects near the pristine wilderness, undermining a top priority for President Donald Trump and Republicans."
"Democratic Gov. Tim Walz moved Tuesday to block mining near the pristine Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota, dealing a blow to Republican efforts that have sought to push forward a copper and nickel project in the region.
The governor signed an executive order to temporarily prohibit mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and directed state agencies to halt all permitting of mining projects in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, which flows into the vast wilderness that includes more than 1,000 lakes and spans 150 miles along the U.S.-Canada border. The order will take effect during the remaining months of Walz’s term, but is then vulnerable to repeal.
The order also directs the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, not to issue any new leases or permits for nonferrous mineral mining projects in the watershed and immediately review mineral leases in the area. Nonferrous mining means digging for metals and ore like copper, aluminum, nickel, zinc and lead."
Hannah Northey and Ian M. Stevenson report for E&E News August 18. 2026.
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