WTIP hears opposing views, updates on Twin Metals mine

Twin Metals Minnesota and its proposed copper-nickel mine on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness generated a series of headlines across the state at the end of 2019.

Twin Metals submitted is mine plan of operations Dec. 18, a major step in the timeline of the proposed project. Two days later, on Dec. 20, a federal judge heard oral arguments in a lawsuit that could play a significant role in the future of the mine.  Also on Dec. 20, those who oppose the mine were pleased when a massive federal spending bill included language that could slow the progress of the Twin Metals project.  Included in the spending package is a provision that says the State Department must report to the Canadian government within 60 days about the risks of copper-nickel mining in the BWCA and Quetico watersheds. 

WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs spoke with Becky Rom, the national chairwoman of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters organization, about these topics.

Likewise, WTIP’s Rhonda Silence spoke with Nancy McReady, the president of Ely-based Conservationists with Common Sense, about the same topics.

The audio for both of these interviews are shared below.