Trending Now - Senate Narrowly Approves Measure to Lift Mining Ban Near Boundary Waters
WHO:
CNBC - Twin Metals spokesperson Kathy Graul stated, "Twin Metals Minnesota is one of several companies focused on responsibly developing the minerals in the Duluth Complex, which is the world's largest known undeveloped copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals deposit."
AP News - U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, a Duluth Republican, introduced the resolution to lift the moratorium in January 2026.
MPR News - The U.S. Senate voted on the measure.
Star Tribune - Democratic Senator Tina Smith participated in a late-night floor protest.
WHAT:
CNBC - The Senate's vote on April 15th, 2026, overturned a protection imposed by President Joe Biden in 2023 that set a 20-year moratorium on mining in the area.
CNBC - Rep. Pete Stauber stated, "A major victory for America and Minnesota's 8th Congressional District was secured today," following the Senate's passage of the resolution.
AP News - The resolution to lift the mining ban was approved by House Republicans in March 2026.
MPR News - The Senate voted 50-49 to overturn the mining ban near Boundary Waters.
Star Tribune - Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of Antofagasta, proposed to mine for copper, nickel, cobalt, and other critical minerals.
WHERE:
CNBC - The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness spans nearly 2,000 lakes across 1.1 million acres in northeastern Minnesota bordering Canada.
AP News - The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located in northeastern Minnesota, along the border with Canada.
MPR News - The mining proposal is located along Birch Lake, south of Ely, Minnesota, within the watershed of the Boundary Waters.
WHEN:
AP News - The Senate vote to send the measure to Trump occurred on April 15th, 2026.
MPR News - The Senate vote occurred on April 15th, 2026.
Star Tribune - The Senate reconvened on April 15th, 2026, for the vote.
WHY:
CNBC - Environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts warn that pollution from mining operations could spill toxic chemicals into the Boundary Waters.
AP News - Stauber stated that the ban has cost Minnesota jobs and jeopardized the country’s mineral security.
Star Tribune - The mining proposal aims to extract critical minerals needed for various industries.
HOW:
CNBC - The resolution to lift the mining ban was passed under the Congressional Review Act, allowing Congress to undo new executive rulemakings by a simple majority vote.
AP News - The Senate's decision to lift the ban was made through a voting process, with no Republicans speaking against it during the debate.
MPR News - The Senate's decision to overturn the ban was made through a voting process.
(UPDATED April 17, 2026 09:20 UTC)
The Senate's vote on Wednesday overturned a 20-year mining moratorium in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a region known for its pristine lakes and rich natural resources. Following the resolution's passage, Rep. Pete Stauber celebrated what he called a major victory for America and Minnesota's 8th Congressional District, while environmentalists expressed concerns about potential pollution from mining operations. Twin Metals spokesperson Kathy Graul emphasized the company's commitment to responsibly developing the minerals in the Duluth Complex, which is the world's largest known undeveloped deposit of copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metals.
--
(UPDATED April 17, 2026 04:07 UTC)
The Senate voted on Wednesday to send a resolution to lift the mining ban in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to Trump, following its approval by House Republicans in March. U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican from Duluth, introduced the resolution in January, arguing that the ban has cost Minnesota jobs and jeopardized the nation’s mineral security. During the Senate debate, no Republicans spoke against the measure, allowing it to move forward without opposition.
--
(UPDATED April 16, 2026 21:14 UTC)
on Wednesday, the U.S. Senate voted 50-49 to overturn the mining ban near Boundary Waters, allowing Twin Metals Minnesota to move forward with its proposal to extract critical minerals like copper, nickel, and cobalt along Birch Lake, south of Ely, Minnesota. Democratic Senator Tina Smith participated in a late-night floor protest against the measure, highlighting the contentious nature of the vote. The decision aims to facilitate the extraction of essential resources needed for various industries, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over mining in the region.