FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Libby London (612) 227-8407
April 28, 2025
*ICYMI* Walz highlights copper-nickel mining risks, calling the Boundary Waters ‘one of the most pristine and important areas globally’
(ELY, MN) – Governor Walz spoke with Outdoors Editor Andrew Putz on Saturday during the Minnesota Star Tribune’s 'Strib Unbound: Outdoor Adventure For All' public event at Theo Wirth Park in Minneapolis. The Governor said that there should be a higher bar for approving copper-nickel mines near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness compared with other areas. He raised concerns about whether technology is advanced enough to produce the metals without polluting water.
Walker Orenstein of The Minnesota Star Tribune reported on the interview in his piece: ‘Walz casts doubt on environmental safety of mining near Boundary Waters:”
“Governor Tim Walz said that copper-nickel mining projects near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness should face a higher approval standard than mines elsewhere, emphasizing that the Boundary Waters is a uniquely special place that deserves extra protection. He also cast doubt on whether current technology is advanced enough to extract metals without polluting the water.I just think you have to take it into the context of how special this place is, is the technology able to do it? I don't think it is at this point in time…”
“Walz on Saturday lamented how mining has become a political issue. He made his comments at the Minnesota Star Tribune’s Strib Unbound event in Minneapolis promoting outdoor adventures.
Now it’s like wearing your team on this,” Walz said. “If you’re a certain political ideology, you’re for mining no matter what it says. If you’re on the other side, you’re against mining…”
“The place holds for Minnesotans, and I would think for a lot of Americans, holds a uniquely special place,” the governor said. “And outdoor spaces that hold that, I think the bar is much higher. ... At this point in time, I don’t think they’re ready to do this.”