Public hearing period for Twin Metals copper-nickel mining lease renewal nears end

MINNEAPOLIS (Scrap Monster): The proposed second hearing in Ely next week will decide the fate of renewal of federal leases to Twin Metals Minnesota’s copper-nickel mining project near Ely and Babbit. Earlier in June this year, the US Forest Service had announced a 30-day period for public input and listening session to better understand public views related to two proposed mining lease renewals. The public input period which began in June 20, 2016 will run through July 20, 2016.

The leases are currently held by Twin Metals Minnesota and are located within the same watershed as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) on the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Twin Metals currently holds mineral leases which were issued in 1966, when new environmental laws were not in place. The Bureau of Land Management is due to decide whether or not to renew those leases. The company plans to start mining copper, nickel and other metals from the land in the Superior National Forest and for that they need to renew the old leases.

The first public meeting session was held Wednesday at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center auditorium. People in large numbers turned out in support and against the proposed lease renewal. Supporters of the project carried blue We Support Mining signs, whereas those who opposed the project were seen waving green We Love BWCA placards.

Supporters argued that renewal of leases would only follow a process in place. They refuted the charges by opponents that Twin Metals’ sulphide mining would destroy the BWCAW watershed, saying that Iron Range has been mining ore with sulfide in it for more than 135 years. Many speakers raised concerns of water quality. On the other hand, supporters highlighted the immense job opportunities that would be created through renewal of lease, which in turn could provide huge support to local economy.

Sources indicate that Minnesota officials stand divided on the issue. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has openly announced his opposition to the project. On the other hand, Rep. Rick Nolan has extended support for the mine, stating that it will strengthen Minnesota’s industrial sector and lead to job creation. Former Vice President Walter Mondale noted that the mine would lie within the national forest along the South Kawishiwi River, which flows directly into the Boundary Waters Wilderness. He also warned that any major industrial activity in the watershed of such a place would have serious implications.

The US Forest Service had initially announced that there will be only one public hearing session. However, it decided last week to conduct a second session at the Washington Auditorium (600 E Harvey St, Ely, MN) on July 19^th 5-7.30 pm CT.

Meantime, Twin Metals officials noted that the company is seeking a fair process in its lease renewal. They expressed the hope that Forest Service doesn’t fall to fear or pressure from activist organizations opposing the mining, when taking a final call on renewal of mining leases.

Twin Metals Minnesota is owned by Antofagasta plc of Santiago, Chile, one of the top ten copper producers in the world. The Twin Metals Minnesota Project (TMM Project) is located approximately nine miles southeast of the city of Ely, Minnesota, and 11 miles northeast of the city of Babbitt, Minnesota.