Mining advocate responds to denial of Twin Metals lease renewals

 
Last week WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs spoke with environmental activists and adventurers Dave and Amy Freeman about their thoughts on the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management’s decision to deny the renewal of two leases for the Twin Metals company.
 
The Freemans told WTIP they were happy with the decision, but noted that the fight to protect the Boundary Waters would continue as other mining projects are considered.
 
U.S. Representative Rick Nolan was not as pleased as the Freemans and the Save the Boundary Waters organization. Nolan issued a strongly-worded news release on Dec. 16 stating:
 
“Minnesota’s Iron Range got a real slap in the face and a punch in the gut by Washington bureaucrats this morning.”
 
Nolan added, “The decision denies Minnesota’s Iron Range the opportunity to explore a project in the area that would bring thousands of new, greatly-needed jobs to our region. The Washington bureaucrats have clearing overreached their authority.”
 
There are some folks in Ely and on the Iron Range who agree with Congressmen Nolan. WTIP reached out to them to learn more. Rhonda Silence speaks with Joe Baltich, founder of Fight for Mining in Minnesota. 

Photo courtesy of Ely Echo