In accordance with a court order, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is evaluating whether the State’s nonferrous metallic mineral siting rule adequately protects the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from pollution, impairment or destruction from potential mining within the Rainy River Headwaters watershed. The DNR is carefully reviewing over 4,000 public comments and other relevant information as part of this evaluation.

The DNR filed a request on August 10, 2022 with Ramsey County District Court to extend the September 12, 2022 deadline for the DNR to decide whether the existing rule is adequate. In the case Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness v. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ramsey County District Court has scheduled a hearing for September 16, 2022 to review the extension request made by the DNR. 

An extension would allow the DNR, as the primary regulatory authority for mining in the state, to complete its assessment of the siting rule. DNR experts are continuing a robust process that ensures careful consideration of all public comments and other relevant information, including journal articles and reference documents.  

Following the court’s ruling on the extension request, DNR will provide updated information on its website.