Nonferrous Mining

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Minnesota has a long and proud history of mining excellence, beginning over 130 years ago and leading to present day, with some of the nation’s safest and most productive iron ore mines. Today, numerous companies are working diligently to usher in the next generation of mining in Minnesota. Nonferrous mining – mining minerals other than iron ore – is essential for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Minnesota has the opportunity to show the world what sustainable mining can be, and how environmental impacts of mining can be mitigated when managed and operated responsibly. We have access to a wealth of geologic resources, a ready, skilled and able workforce and high environmental standards designed to protect the land, water and air around us.

Importantly, we also have industry-leading companies exploring projects in our state. NewRange Copper Nickel, Twin Metals Minnesota and Talon Metals Corporation are companies driven and committed to responsible, sustainable mining practices. Each is following the carefully-honed regulatory process securing permits based on science and fact. These operations can mine safely, and they’ll propel Minnesota to the forefront of the movement to combat climate change.

THE FUTURE OF NICKEL MINING • THE FUTURE OF COBALT MINING • THE FUTURE OF PRECIOUS METALS MINING • THE FUTURE OF COPPER MINING •THE FUTURE OF NICKEL MINING • THE FUTURE OF COBALT MINING • THE FUTURE OF PRECIOUS METALS MINING • THE FUTURE OF COPPER MINING •THE FUTURE OF NICKEL MINING • THE FUTURE OF COBALT MINING • THE FUTURE OF PRECIOUS METALS MINING • THE FUTURE OF COPPER MINING •

RESPONSIBLE

MINING

Minnesota is fortunate to be the home of the Duluth Complex, an expansive geologic formation containing the largest known undeveloped accumulations of copper, nickel and platinum group metals in the world.

These minerals are the key to developing the infrastructure required for green energy. Solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries all require tremendous amounts of metal – more than recycling alone can produce.

The resources are here, in Minnesota. We also have the workforce and supporting industries necessary for success.

Most importantly, Minnesota has some of the nation’s strictest and most stringent environmental standards. Permitted projects must meet federal, state and local regulations, ensuring responsible mining operations for the duration of each project.

SUSTAINABLE

MINING

Minnesota’s natural resources are precious. That’s why our state abides by a strict regulatory framework requiring significant scientific research before awarding permits.

Sustainable mining operations access and process minerals efficiently and responsibly to ensure human health and safety and support community growth while protecting the environment.

Any permitted project in Minnesota has demonstrated that it can and will operate sustainably, with great care and concern for the environment. Modern mining techniques, tailings storage, water management and progressive reclamation all work together to ensure a sustainable operation.

In order for sustainable mining to be successful, all parties must respect the carefully-honed regulatory process.

ECONOMIC

IMPACTS

Mining in northeast Minnesota has long been a powerful economic driver, creating and sustaining thousands of high-paying mining jobs and driving growth in supporting industries.

Without active mining operations, Iron Range communities like Ely and Hoyt Lakes have experienced significant population declines.

The NorthMet Project projects a $515 million annual boost to the St. Louis County economy. Twin Metals expects the construction and permitting process to require $1.7 billion in private investment in the region.

The United States has ambitious goals for renewable energy, and Minnesota can play an important role in mineral procurement. The result will be a stronger and more economically sound state that leads the world in responsible mining.