Statement on close of public comment period for PolyMet mine plan

Environment Minnesota

The public comment period closes today at 4:30 p.m. for the environmental impact study of PolyMet’s proposed sulfide mine in northern Minnesota. If approved, it would be the first of its kind in the state. Companies are already exploring and test drilling across northern Minnesota for possible copper and nickel mines and have proposed mines in the Lake Superior basin, in the Superior National Forest, and near the Boundary Waters wilderness.

Environment Minnesota Advocate Samantha Chadwick released the following statement:

“The PolyMet mine would result in hundreds of years of water pollution, the destruction of precious wetlands and forest in the Superior National Forest, result in sulfuric acid runoff and other toxic pollution, and endangers waterways in the Lake Superior basin. Pollution from this mine would be irreversible and costly, and Minnesota taxpayers could be stuck with the cleanup bill.

The revised PolyMet mine plan still looks to be among the most destructive projects in Minnesota history. The DNR has already received a record-setting 40,000 comments, which goes to show how many citizens are concerned about this controversial mine.

If approved, PolyMet would be Minnesota’s first sulfide mine – ushering in a wave of new plans for this uniquely dirty and destructive mining that would threaten the beloved Boundary Waters wilderness and Lake Superior. We urge Minnesota to reject the PolyMet mine and protect Minnesota’s land and water for our children and grandchildren.