SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) issued the following statement regarding today’s action by the U.S. Department of the Interior to cancel a pair of mineral leases for the proposed Twin Metals copper/nickel mine:
“The Department of the Interior's decision to unilaterally cancel the Twin Metals leases is extremely disappointing. When someone comes forward with an idea for a project, they have the right to have it reviewed by regulatory experts – not just judged by the current political climate. Twin Metals hasn’t asked for any corners to be cut; they’ve only asked for the opportunity to have the proposal evaluated based on science and the law. This is a lengthy, thorough process – as it should be – and there’s no certainty the project would earn approval. But it’s wrong to slam on the brakes so early on in the process.
“The Biden Administration, in a report on ‘Building Resilient Supply Chains, Revitalizing American Manufacturing, and Fostering Broad-Based Growth’ specifically cited copper, nickel and cobalt as critical minerals toward meeting our climate goals. If we can do so safely – as determined by a robust regulatory review process – we should process these materials necessary to achieve a green energy future right here at home, and with it, experience the economic opportunity and creation of good paying jobs. Minnesota has a strong history of mining safely and responsibly, and we’re in a new generation of engineering and operating technologies. Projects like Twin Metals ought to be judged fairly on the merits, not dismissed based on politics.”