US EditionDNR OKs Exploratory Drilling Near BWCAW
The Minnesota DNR approved 19 exploratory boreholes near the Boundary Waters with conditions to protect the environment amid ongoing federal leasing disputes.
- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved Franconia Minerals' exploration near the Boundary Waters in a Dec. 29 letter, requiring environmental protections.
- Twin Metals aims to build an underground copper-nickel mine along the lake draining into the BWCAW, while previous administrations canceled leases and banned mining in parts of Superior National Forest.
- Friends of the Boundary Waters urged the DNR to reject Franconia's exploration plans over environmental concerns, and Chris Knopf said the state's approval was a missed chance for Governor Tim Walz to act.
- The state's stance shifted under Gov. Tim Walz, who declined to continue Mark Dayton's ban, while Twin Metals says its exploration maps underground deposits rather than mining.
- The decision fuels a broader debate about legal authority and watershed protection, as opponents argue the DNR could have denied the permit while Franconia Minerals describes exploration as mapping deposits.
17 Articles
17 Articles
DNR approves exploratory drilling near Boundary Waters
BABBITT — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved a company’s plan to explore for minerals near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Under its approved plan, Franconia Minerals, a subsidiary of Twin Metals Minnesota, is allowed to drill exploratory boreholes at 19 locations north and south of Birch Lake. Twin Metals wants to build an underground copper-nickel mine, processing facility and tailings storage facility several mi…
Duluth News Tribune
DNR OKs exploratory drilling near BWCAW
BABBITT — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved a company's plan to explore for minerals near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Under its approved plan, Franconia Minerals, a subsidiary of Twin Metals Minnesota, is allowed to drill exploratory boreholes at 19 locations north and south of Birch Lake. Twin Metals wants to build an underground copper-nickel mine, processing facility and tailings storage facility several mi…
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