Dear John,
Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approved exploratory drilling on state and private lands within the watershed of the Boundary Waters.
You may be asking: What does this mean? Should we be alarmed?
Here is the truth: This decision is very concerning, but a mine is far from being built. Exploratory drilling is conducted to understand the resource, not extract it.
This decision serves as an important reminder—every time Twin Metals advances exploratory drilling, it’s another warning that without permanent protection, the Boundary Waters remains vulnerable to toxic mining.
While copper mining has been banned on federal lands in the watershed since 2023 (protecting 225,000+ acres for 20 years), state and private lands have no such protection. That is exactly why stronger state-level protections are urgently needed.
The good news is that state legislation has already been introduced (H.F 309 / S.F 875) to prohibit copper mining on state lands in the Boundary Waters watershed. If passed, this bill would close the loophole that allowed this permit to be approved.
The months ahead are critical.
In February, the Minnesota State Legislature reconvenes, and we’ll be at the Capitol every day advocating for permanent protections. At the same time, we'll continue our work in Washington, D.C. to ensure the federal 20-year mining ban stays in place.
This is a pivotal moment, and we can't do it without you. Your advocacy, your voice, and your commitment are instrumental in keeping the Boundary Waters protected.
Can we count on you to make a tax-deductible gift before midnight tomorrow? Every dollar you give will be DOUBLED to power our work in the critical months ahead.
