Antofagasta’s U.S. subsidiary Twin Metals has been pushing to mine copper, other metals from land near Minnesota’s famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
A mining company that hopes to extract metals near one of the United States most beloved nature areas is in trouble for violating environmental protection guidelines again in Chile. The South American country’s environmental regulator fined Antofagasta about $775,000 on January 23, 2026 for failing to properly follow water management protocol, which includes keeping track of water resources and following water monitoring rules set out in the company’s environmental impact study and an additional monitoring plan.
“Accidents do happen, but Antofagasta has a history of environmental harm and non-compliance with pollution and safety standards,” said Environment Minnesota Conservation Associate Annika Fredeen. “It’s a history that we cannot ignore as the Boundary Waters continues to face mining threats.”
Antofagasta’s previous environmental violations led to millions of dollars in potential fines, lawsuits in the Chilean Supreme Court and orders from the Chilean government to cease unauthorized operations. The incidents in question involved serious allegations of groundwater pollution, toxic spills and overall non-compliance with environmental regulations.
This newest citation against the Chilean company comes as we await a U.S. Senate vote on legislation (HJ 140) that, if passed, would overturn the current mining ban on the Boundary Waters area. Antofagasta’s subsidiary, Twin Metals Minnesota, is pushing for a copper mine in an area right outside of the Boundary Waters. Copper mining often pollutes its surrounding ecosystems with toxic spills and hazardous chemicals, and this newest citation against the company is a reminder of Antofagasta’s checkered track record regarding environmental degradation.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is special and worth protecting. It provides the Minnesotans who live nearby and some 150,000 annual visitors from around the world unparalleled experiences in nature. Senators are expected to vote on HJ 140 as soon as February 23rd. Contact your senators to tell them to vote ‘no’ on this resolution. You can also take action by calling on Minnesota state legislators and Governor Tim Walz to take state-level actions to permanently protect the Boundary Waters from copper mining. There has never been a more urgent moment to speak up for this beloved and unique wilderness area.