Mining in the BWCA
Minnesota Rep. Pete Stauber has introduced legislation that would reopen the door to sulfide-ore mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and neighboring Voyageurs National Park. This proposal represents another attempt to advance mining activity with significant risks to water quality in one of the most ecologically valuable regions in the country. It comes at a time when many Minnesotans may be focused on other pressing concerns, but the implications for the Boundary Waters are substantial and long-lasting.
The measure in question—House Resolution 140—would overturn a 2023 federal rule that protects 225,504 acres of national forest land in the BWCA and Voyageurs watersheds from mining-related water contamination for 20 years. If enacted, it would eliminate these safeguards and allow mining activity to proceed indefinitely.
The resolution could reach the House floor as early as midweek, leaving a narrow window for public engagement and response.
Call to Action (what specific action are we taking):
We are calling both of our US Senators and our US House Rep, telling them to vote no on Joint House Resolution 140—would overturn a 2023 federal rule that protects 225,504 acres of national forest land in the BWCA and Voyageurs watersheds from mining-related water contamination for 20 years. If enacted, it would eliminate these safeguards and allow mining activity to proceed indefinitely.
The resolution could reach the House floor as early as midweek, leaving a narrow window for public engagement and response.
Contact Info:
1. U.S. Senator Tina Smith:
DC Office Phone: (202) 224-5641
MN Office Phone: (651) 221-1016
Email form:
https://www.smith.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
2. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar:
DC Office Phone: ( 202) 224-3244
DC Office Fax: (202) 228-2186
MN Office Phone: (612) 727-5220
Email form:
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-amy
Your Federal House Representative
Find your US House of Representative here: Who Represents Me?
Or use democracy.io to send an email to all three at the same time.
Sample Script (voice or email):
As your constituent, I ask that you lead and work urgently right now to protect our beloved Boundary Waters Wilderness.
As you know, the Boundary Waters and downstream Voyageurs National Park are currently protected by Public Land Order 7917, the 20-year Mineral Withdrawal banning copper mining on federal public lands in the headwaters of these beloved wild lands. This Mineral Withdrawal was based on the U.S. Forest Service’s comprehensive Environmental Assessment, which concluded that sulfide-ore copper mining near the Boundary Waters would cause irreversible harm to the ecosystem and downstream Voyageurs National Park. The analysis completed by the Forest Service in 2022 included 675,000 public comments, over 95% of which favored protecting the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs from sulfide-ore copper mining.
In early January, this Public Land Order was challenged under the Congressional Review Act, despite Public Land Orders never being deemed a rule subject to the CRA. Instead, statutory requirements for Public Land Orders have always been dictated by the Federal Land Management and Policy Act. I ask you to rally your colleagues and secure votes against any joint resolution of disapproval that would overturn the Public Land Order.
Removing Boundary Waters protections by passing this CRA would blatantly ignore the voices of the American people and prioritize the profits of a foreign mining company (Chilean conglomerate Antofagasta) over the interest of this nation’s citizenry and beloved Public Lands.
This region is much more than a beautiful place. It embodies the best of our public lands: clean water, expansive habitat, world-class recreation, and a strong, sustainable local economy. Generations of Minnesotans and Americans from across the country have formed deep connections to nature through hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and hiking in the Boundary Waters.
Allowing copper mining to proceed by overturning the Mineral Withdrawal puts at risk not only the environment but also the regional economy. The outdoor recreation economy in northeastern Minnesota supports over 17,000 jobs and contributes more than $1 billion in annual sales. Studies consistently show that protecting the Boundary Waters generates stronger and more sustainable economic benefits than short term and toxic sulfide-ore copper mining.
I respectfully urge you to work with your colleagues in Congress to protect our nation’s heritage, exemplified by America’s Canoe Country - the Boundary Waters and adjoining Voyageurs National Park. These areas must remain protected so they can be accessible and beloved for generations to come.
Please vote against this Joint Resolution and do not sell out our Wilderness to Chilean mining giant Antofagasta against the will of Minnesotans and Americans who want our public lands preserved.
Thank you for your service and for considering this important request.
Resources:
https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/bill-introduced-overturn-mining-ban-near-boundary-waters
https://naturalresources.house.gov/uploadedfiles/staumn_033_xml.pdf