Twin Metals to appeal decision on mineral withdrawal study

ELY, MN (KBJR)-- Twin Metals Minnesota plans to appeal the decision to order a mineral withdrawal study that could spell a serious blow to their plans for a copper-nickel mine on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

The government ordered a study a week ago that could lead to a 20-year ban on mining upstream from the wilderness.

It would begin with a comprehensive study of the likely environmental and other impacts of mining if it were permitted upstream from the Boundary Waters.

In a statement Wednesday, Twin Metals spokespeople said.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the communities of northeast Minnesota,” said Kelly Osborne, Twin Metals Chief Executive Officer. “We have a viable mining project that we will move forward under existing law.”

A big selling point for supporters of Twin Metals’ proposal has been the chance at mining copper, nickel, and cobalt in Minnesota.

Meanwhile, Environmentalists are praising the Biden administration’s move to order the study.

Becky Rom, Save the Boundary Waters’ national campaign chair, said the area’s ecosystem is vital habitat to many species.

No word on when the study could begin or how Twin Metals’ appeal could impact it.

Copyright 2021 KBJR. All rights reserved.