Gov. Tim Walz signs executive order banning nonferrous mining near Boundary Waters

By: J. Patrick Coolican, Max Nesterak

Outlets: Minnesota Reformer

Published: August 18, 2026

Words: 1,317

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order Tuesday banning nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in what may prove to be one of the most significant conservation acts in generations.

For five decades, mining companies have hungrily eyed the rich deposits of copper, nickel and other valuable metals in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, spurring a fierce resistance from environmentalists and Native American tribes seeking to protect one of the most pristine …

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