Trump Administration Moves to Reverse Minnesota Boundary Waters Mining Ban

The Trump administration has announced plans to reverse a 20-year mining moratorium on federal land near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in Minnesota, seeking to revive copper-nickel mining projects such as the Twin Metals mine near Ely. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum declared their intent to cancel the mineral withdrawal, arguing that the ban was unnecessary and emphasizing a commitment to advancing President Trump's energy dominance agenda. This move reverses actions taken by the Biden administration, which had imposed the moratorium in 2023 due to environmental concerns about potential acid mine drainage threatening the BWCAW, the nation's most-visited federally designated wilderness. Environmental groups and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith strongly oppose the reversal, warning of ecological harm and pledging legal challenges. Supporters, including mining proponents and some Minnesota politicians, highlight potential economic benefits and reduced reliance on foreign minerals, particularly from China. The decision follows the removal of a mining provision from the Senate's reconciliation bill, signaling ongoing political contention over mining near this sensitive wilderness area.