Twin Metals submits plan for exploratory drilling to pursue mining underneath Birch Lake just south of the Boundary Waters
Twin Metals Minnesota has just submitted a proposal to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) to conduct exploratory drilling on state and private lands next to Birch Lake — a beloved recreation lake that flows directly into the Boundary Waters.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Twin Metals has done this before — and received approval. Previous drilling has brought industrial light pollution and persistent noise that can be heard 14 miles away, disrupting the Wilderness experience for visitors and cabin owners alike.
Copper mining is currently banned on federal lands and minerals in the Rainy River Watershed as a result of a 2023 Public Land order, which protected over 225,000 acres of jointly-owned federal lands and minerals from copper mining for up to 20 years. But this new proposal targets state and private lands, which remain vulnerable. Without strong protections, the Boundary Waters watershed remains at risk from toxic mining for decades to come.
This exploratory drilling can occur because there is currently no ban on copper mining on state and private lands in the watershed of the Boundary Waters, where this drilling takes place. Legislation (H.F 309 / S.F 875) has been introduced in the State Legislature that would protect the Boundary Waters watershed from such development on state land by prohibiting the issuance of leases or permits for copper mining. This bill would NOT prohibit or otherwise impact existing or future taconite, iron ore, sand, gravel, and granite mining.
Every time Twin Metals advances exploratory drilling, it’s another warning: without permanent protection, the Boundary Waters remains vulnerable to toxic mining. We're mobilizing Minnesotans to contact their lawmakers — but we can't do it without resources.
Your support helps us:
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Organize grassroots advocacy campaigns to secure permanent protection
- Build the scientific and legal case for lasting protections.
- Mobilize people across the country to speak up for clean water and wild places.
- Monitor and respond quickly to continued attempts to mine near the Boundary Waters
Read more about the 2023 plan and what this means for Birch Lake. Read the 2023 blog >>
Birch Lake and Kawishiwi River looking towards the Boundary Waters.
WEBINAR - What’s next for the Boundary Waters?
Join us for a special webinar to hear the latest on the Boundary Waters and what’s at stake for this irreplaceable Wilderness. Our team will break down the current threats, the latest from the Minnesota State Legislature, and how you can take action to protect these waters for generations to come.
What you’ll learn:
- The ongoing threats facing the watershed, including the new threat of the Border Land Bill
- How we’re advocating for permanent protections by building a powerful coalition of supporters like you
- Key actions you can take right now to support our work and keep up the pressure on decision-makers
Now is the time to go all in for the Boundary Waters. We know what’s at stake, and we know we’re strongest when we stand together. Join us at the webinar to learn more and speak loudly for this quiet place.
