Minnesota has among the most rigorous state-level environmental protections in the nation. Nothing in the Senate’s action on April 16, 2026, changes that. The Minnesota DNR’s environmental review and permitting work is grounded in state statutes, rules, and policies, which require both rigorous science and extensive input from the public, Tribal Nations, and other parties. At this time, there are no active proposals for non-ferrous mining projects in the Rainy River watershed pending before the DNR.
There has been public confusion regarding state mineral leases currently held by Twin Metals. Currently, the DNR has the legal option to cancel only one, specific lease held by Twin Metals. The lease in question is not located within the area that Twin Metals has previously sought to mine. The DNR has not made any decisions about that lease, but will evaluate all options. If the DNR does choose to terminate this specific mineral lease, it would not impact the mining project that Twin Metals has been pursuing.