DNR cancels Twin Metals lease after Walz mining order
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources canceled a state mineral lease held by Twin Metals for land south of the Boundary Waters, effective November 10, 2026.[1]
Twin Metals said the canceled lease sits on School Trust Lands meant to generate revenue for every K-12 district in Minnesota.[1] The company said it has invested more than 16 years in exploration and still retains other state, private and mineral rights while pursuing a "sustainable" underground mining project.[1]
Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order aimed at blocking new nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters after Congress moved to roll back federal protections. The move is part of the governor's effort to use state authority to limit new mining in and around the Boundary Waters.
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📌 Key Facts
- Minnesota DNR has canceled a Twin Metals state mineral lease located south of the Boundary Waters, east of Babbitt, effective November 10, 2026.
- Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order aimed at blocking new nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters after Congress moved to roll back federal protections.
- Twin Metals says the canceled lease sits on School Trust Lands meant to generate revenue for every K‑12 district in Minnesota and that it has invested over 16 years in exploration and project development.
- The company states it still retains other state, private and mineral rights and remains committed to advancing a “sustainable” underground mining project.
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