Walz Signs Executive Order Restricting Mining Near Boundary Waters
The order directs state agencies to halt new leases and permits as officials cite threats to wilderness, water and nearly $1 billion in recreation activity.
- On Tuesday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 26-10, directing the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to halt new environmental reviews and permitting for nonferrous mining in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed.
- This action follows Congress's vote four months ago to overturn a 20-year federal ban on mining in the Boundary Waters region, which opened the door to renewed copper and nickel extraction proposals.
- Under the order, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency must stop issuing new state mineral leases and "strictly enforce" compliance on existing ones within the watershed.
- Governor Walz stated the order protects an outdoor recreation economy worth nearly $1 billion and the Boundary Waters wilderness, saying "The science is clear: copper mining and the Boundary Waters cannot safely coexist."
- While these restrictions primarily apply to state-controlled lands rather than federal territories, the administration plans to draft legislation aiming to permanently prohibit nonferrous mining in the watershed for long-term protection.
87 Articles
87 Articles
Minnesota Governor Walz Restricts Mining Near Boundary Waters
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order restricting new nonferrous mining activity in a watershed near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The order directs state agencies to halt new environmental reviews, permits and mineral leases for mining projects in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed.💡The move follows Congress's decision four months ago to overturn a long-standing federal ban on mining in the Boundary Waters region…
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Economist John Phelan Slams Walz Lead Minnesota Copper Mining Ban
[audio mp3="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2327/2026/08/19121425/john-phelan_woym_2026-08-19.mp3"] FARGO, ND – Governor Tim Walz’s executive order banning non-ferrous copper mining across the Boundary Waters watershed has drawn sharp criticism from economic analysts who argue the decision directly undermines aggressive green energy goals. Speaking Wednesday on The FLAG, Center of the American Experiment economist J…
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