Twin Metals submits controversial mine proposal to state and federal agencies

By Jimmy Lovrien


Twin Metals, the proposed copper-nickel mine within the same watershed as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, submitted its formal project proposal to regulators Wednesday, according to company officials, beginning a yearslong federal and state review process.

The company, owned by Chilean mining conglomerate Antofagasta, is hoping to build a large underground copper-nickel mine and dry-stacked tailings storage facility near Ely and Birch Lake, within the Rainy River Watershed and 5 miles from the BWCAW. Critics say the project could send tainted runoff into the BWCAW, while supporters say the mine would bring much-needed jobs to the region.

Julie Padilla, Twin Metals’ chief regulatory officer, told the News Tribune the company is submitting its mine plan of operation to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and an environmental assessment worksheet data submittal to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

“The team here is extremely proud of the work that we’ve done and the project that we’re putting forward, and we believe that this is a conversation that should center around facts and science and process,” Padilla said. “And we are comfortable that if we can’t meet the requirements and laws related to the standards, then we shouldn’t move forward.”

Read more: https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/energy-and-mining/4828420-Twin-Metals-submits-controversial-mine-proposal-to-state-and-federal-agencies