Share

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Ban sulfide-ore copper mining upstream from the Boundary Waters

Minnesota’s rules for nonferrous mining (which means mining that is different than iron or taconite mining) were created in 1993. Modern science now tells us that they are inadequate to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) from sulfide-ore copper mining in the Rainy River Headwaters, from which mining pollution could flow into the Wilderness. As a result of a recent lawsuit in state court, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was ordered to examine its nonferrous mining rules.

The Boundary Waters is America's most visited Wilderness. Its 1.1 million acres contain more than 1,000 pristine lakes and 1,200 miles of river and stream. Priceless and irreplaceable, the BWCAW must not be put at risk of perpetual pollution from the most toxic industry in America.

We need you to speak up for reforming these mining rules by December 7.

The risks from nonferrous mining are vastly different from traditional iron mining. Nonferrous mining involves extracting trace amounts of copper, nickel, and other metals from sulfide-bearing ores. This process produces sulfuric acid, which is the same as battery acid. In addition to acidifying lakes and rivers, sulfuric acid leaches out toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and others from the rock, producing acid mine drainage (AMD). Sulfate discharge to very sensitive fresh waters, such as those found in northern Minnesota, also unleashes a cascade of damage to the ecosystem.

Unfortunately, the DNR is requiring a few steps in order to comment. Please take the extra steps needed to submit a comment as DNR needs to hear that the public wants the mining rules revised and the Boundary Waters protected from toxic mining. Feel free to copy and paste the suggested letter below, but use your own words where possible.

Steps:

  1. Go to the DNR link: https://survey.mn.gov/s.asp?k=163595161979
  2. Accept DNR’s terms and hit “next” at the bottom of the page.
  3. Tell DNR you’re not a robot on the next page and hit “next” again.
  4. Enter your first and last name and hit “next”.
  5. Paste your comment and hit “submit” at the bottom of the page.

Suggested letter (please personalize if possible):

I urge the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to amend Minnesota’s nonferrous mining rules to prohibit the exploration for or siting of sulfide-ore copper mines in the Rainy River Headwaters. 

Federal and state laws prohibit any degradation of the water quality in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The BWCAW comprises roughly 50% of the Rainy River Headwaters and is located downstream of the unprotected upstream half of the watershed. Only a ban on sulfide-ore copper mining in the entirety of the Rainy River Headwaters—and in particular in the unprotected upstream half—will protect the water quality of the Boundary Waters. 

The Boundary Waters is America's most visited Wilderness. Its 1.1 million acres contain more than 1,000 pristine lakes and 1,200 miles of river and stream. Priceless and irreplaceable, the BWCAW must not be put at risk of perpetual pollution from the most toxic industry in America.

Please thoroughly address the following in your review:

  • Unprotected watershed of Rainy River Headwaters—Portions of the Rainy River Headwaters lie outside and upstream of the BWCAW. Acid Mine Drainage from any sulfide-ore copper mine located in this unprotected portion of the watershed would flow into the BWCAW and degrade its exceptional water quality.
  • Cleanest water quality in North America—The lakes, rivers, and streams of the Boundary Waters watershed are among the cleanest waters in North America and are especially sensitive to acids and heavy-metals found in sulfide copper mine pollution. The waters have little ability to buffer acid.
  • America’s most visited and accessible Wilderness—The BWCAW is the most visited Wilderness in the U.S., and the largest Wilderness east of the Rockies and north of the Everglades. Visitors travel through it primarily by canoe, and can choose routes to avoid having to portage gear, making the Boundary Waters more accessible to families, children, and people with physical limitations.

I urge the DNR to amend the current nonferrous mining rules because they do not adequately protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from sulfide-ore copper mining pollution. Please ban sulfide-ore copper mining in the Rainy River Headwaters.

Help us protect the Boundary Waters and Wilderness around the country. All first-time donations matched by a generous donor in Massachusetts!

Follow Us

Photo: Kevin Proescholdt 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

P.O. Box 9175  |  Missoula, MT 59807  |  wildernesswatch.org  |  DONATE

Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences