in Ely, Minnesota discussed the impact that mining would have on their local business with American Rivers in May 2013: Jane and Steve Koschak, owners of River Point Resort & Outfitting Co. It is the gravest threat the Boundary Waters has ever faced.” MINNPOST Feb 13, 2014 This is about the creation of an industrial corridor of mines, mills, roads, rail lines and all the rest at the edge of the Boundary Waters, and in some of the best loved places for outdoor recreation and wilderness experience across the national forest….We are talking about a massive, mining industrial complex that will last for hundreds of years. “This is not just about one mine, or two. Local businesses and citizens who have strong connections to the Boundary Waters and rely on revenue generated by tourism have voiced strong opposition to the proposed sulfide mines within the Superior National Forest.īecky Rom, leader of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness’ Boundary Waters Watershed Campaign gave her perspective on the proposed Twin Metals Mine. Baker, Ph.D., has determined that, “the potential impacts of the proposed mine are high because this is a very large mine located in an ecologically sensitive area,” and “rivers and lakes in this region are poorly buffered, making them highly sensitive to acidic mine drainage (AMD).” Strong Opposition to Sulfide Mining

A University of Minnesota scientist, Lawrence A. The proposed Twin Metals Mine poses a significant and persistent risk to water quality and, in turn, the economic and ecological health of the region. When sulfide minerals are exposed to air and water, they react to form sulfuric acid in a process known as acid mine drainage, which is highly toxic to fish and other aquatic life if uncontrolled. In 2010, acid mine drainage containing copper and arsenic had already been documented in a sulfide mining exploration site 15 miles southeast of Ely, MN near the South Kawishiwi River.

In northern Minnesota, copper, nickel, and other metals are embedded in rock that contain sulfide.

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