Urgent threats to the Boundary Waters – June 2025 update

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is threatened by proposed copper-nickel mining. The Boundary Waters is the most visited Wilderness in the United States. The interconnected waterways and unspoiled forests of this Wilderness offer world-class recreation, critical habitat, and support the people and economies of wilderness-edge communities. But, a copper mine is proposed just outside the Wilderness in the watershed of the Boundary Waters that would risk all of this

Unlike iron mining, sulfide-ore copper mining has never been done in the state of Minnesota. This type of mining generates waste rock full of sulfates, which, when exposed to air and water, becomes sulfuric acid, and leaches toxins like heavy metals into the surrounding water. This dangerous industry should not be allowed in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters.

✅ We’re fighting to protect the Boundary Waters. Here are some of our recent highlights:

• JUNE: We helped remove a dangerous provision from the federal budget bill that would have handed mining leases to a foreign company without public review.
• MAY: We defeated harmful state bills that would’ve allowed gas drilling near the BWCA, restricted public input, and rolled back protections for wild rice and clean water.

Recent news:

🔴 Overturning the 20-year mining ban

On June 20, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior announced — via a callous Tweet — that they will overturn the 20-year mining ban in the Boundary Waters watershed. This mining ban, known as a mineral withdrawal, protects over 225,000 acres of pristine public lands and waters adjacent to the Wilderness in the Superior National Forest. It was issued just two years ago after careful scientific analysis and public process. Overturning this ban opens the door to toxic sulfide-ore copper mining right on the edge of America’s most visited Wilderness. 

This callous and inaccurate tweet is not only dangerous, it goes against the voice of the people.

Despite claiming “extensive public input” in this Tweet, no new public comments or meetings have been held. In fact, the last formal public comment period in 2023 generated 675,000 public comments, with 98% supporting a mining ban. Polling shows that 70% of Minnesotans want the Boundary Waters permanently protected.

🟢Boundary Waters language removed from “Big Beautiful Bill” 

An incredibly dangerous provision (Section 80131) was removed from the U.S. Reconciliation Bill via resolution. This is a major victory! Thanks to intense advocacy from Wilderness defenders across the country, we removed a provision that would have opened the door to sulfide-ore copper mining in the watershed of the Boundary Waters by:

• stripping federal protections from the Boundary Waters watershed
• handing irrevocable leases to foreign mining giant Antofagasta
• eliminating any opportunity for public challenge or judicial review

🏛️ State Legislative Work - Session recap 

This year’s legislative session in Minnesota was one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with weeks of gridlock, a special session, and a flurry of last-minute negotiations. But through it all, our team showed up at the Capitol almost daily to defend the Boundary Waters from toxic copper-nickel mining and other threats. We focused on stopping harmful bills, protecting environmental review, and advancing permanent protections for the Wilderness. From committee hearings to hallway meetings with legislators, we worked nonstop to ensure Minnesota’s laws reflect our shared responsibility to protect this iconic place.

Looking ahead, the fight continues. The Boundary Waters Permanent Protection Bill was reintroduced this session and would permanently ban copper-nickel mining on state lands in the watershed. We’re working hard to build momentum behind this bill before the next session,  and we need your help. Contact your state legislators and urge them to support permanent protections for the Boundary Waters. Let’s ensure this treasured Wilderness is preserved for future generations. Read the full recap with Amanda Hefner >>

In remembrance: Honoring Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman

*Save the Boundary Waters is heartbroken by the tragic assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. We extend our deepest condolences to their family, friends, and colleagues as we mourn this senseless and devastating loss. We also send our support and sympathy to Senator John Hoffman and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Read our full statement>>

We can win 100 times, but we can only lose the Boundary Waters once.