Ely, Minn. Weighs Mining Near Wilderness

A debate over a proposed copper and nickel mine has intensified in Ely, Minnesota, as the town balances its mining heritage with the preservation of the adjacent Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of Antofagasta PLC, holds the drilling leases for the Duluth Complex. The company estimates the site contains 95% of the United States' nickel, 88% of its cobalt, and more than one-third of its copper. Twin Metals says the mine will provide 750 full-time jobs and create 1,500 additional indirect positions when fully operational.

The project faces opposition from groups like Save the Boundary Waters. Becky Rom, the organization's national chair, notes that the local economy has shifted from traditional extraction to tourism. She describes the area as an amenity-based economy, noting that many residents have family histories in both mining and outfitting shops.

Jason Zabokrtsky, who owns a rental shop in Ely, supports mining generally but objects to its location here. He warns that pollution in the interconnected lake system would be permanent. He states, “We’re not against mining. Mining is important to society today. The problem is, some places are too valuable and too vulnerable to put one of these mines.”

Political control of the area’s future is in flux. The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress overturned a 20-year mining moratorium earlier this year. In August, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order to ban mining in the area. That order expires 90 days after his term ends. The outcome of the November elections will determine if the ban stands or if the state legislature moves to enact a permanent ban.

State Representative Roger Skraba, a Republican running for reelection, argues that the mine provides necessary diversification for Ely's economy. He points to declining population figures in his hometown and recent wildfire damage to tourism. He asks, “Is the woods more important than keeping a community thriving?”

Trina Swanson, a Democrat challenging incumbent Rep. Pete Stauber in the 8th Congressional District, calls the Boundary Waters unique and too special to risk. She questions the long-term economic benefits, citing a 2020 Harvard study that predicted a negative economic impact over time. She notes that the mine projects only 25 years of operation.

Dean DeBeltz, Twin Metals' vice president for external relations, says the company has drilled 1.5 million feet of core over the past decade. He explains that the ore is low-grade, with desired minerals comprising only 1% of the rock. Despite this, he argues the deposit is essential for national security and the transition to clean energy.