Senate Votes to Overturn Boundary Waters Mining Ban

The United States Senate voted 50-49 on April 17, 2026, to pass a resolution overturning a Biden-era mining ban in the Superior National Forest and the Rainy River Watershed. The measure, which also passed the House of Representatives, utilizes the Congressional Review Act to open 225,000 acres of land for copper, nickel, and cobalt extraction. The resolution now moves to the president for his signature as part of a broader effort to boost domestic mineral production and reduce reliance on China and Russia.

Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, a subsidiary of Chile-based Antofagasta Minerals, intends to develop a $1.7 billion underground mine along Birch Lake. Supporters, including Representative Pete Stauber and Minnesota Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth, argue the project is essential for mineral security and the Iron Range economy. However, critics warn the mine could leak neurotoxins into the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, threatening wildlife and the cultural heritage of Chippewa tribes.

Senator Tina Smith led the opposition, delivering a nearly five-hour floor speech arguing that the resolution abrogates tribal treaty rights. Some lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis, questioned the legality of using the Congressional Review Act in this manner, suggesting it creates a dangerous precedent that could invalidate federal land management plans nationwide. In response, Minnesota Democrats have introduced state-level legislation to prohibit copper-nickel sulfide mining on state lands and require full up-front cash funding for environmental cleanup. Despite the federal repeal, Twin Metals must still secure numerous state permits before operations can begin.