DNR issues permits for PolyMet copper-nickel mine

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced that it has issued permits for PolyMet Mining’s proposed NorthMet mining project in northeast Minnesota.

The DNR has issued the permit to mine, six water appropriation permits, two dam safety permits, a public waters work permit, and an endangered species takings permit for the NorthMet project.

The permit to mine includes a financial assurance plan and wetland replacement plan.

Thursday’s action completes the DNR’s consideration of the major permits that the project needs from the DNR in order to proceed. However, the NorthMet project still requires water and air quality permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and a wetlands permit from the Army Corps of Engineers, in addition to other local permits and approvals.

“No project in the history of Minnesota has been more thoroughly evaluated,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr.

Based on the DNR’s review, they are confident that the project can be built, operated, and reclaimed in compliance with Minnesota’s environmental standards, which are designed to protect human health and the environment, Landwehr said.

The NorthMet project would create an open-pit mine. The goal is to extract copper, nickel and precious metals from the mine. The project is located near the cities of Hoyt Lakes and Babbitt. The mine will be located approximately 60 miles northwest of Silver Bay on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Since the project was first proposed in 2004, the DNR and other state and federal agencies have thoroughly evaluated the NorthMet project, including multiple opportunities for public input on both the environmental impact statement and draft permits.