Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order restricting new nonferrous mining activity in a watershed near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The order directs state agencies to halt new environmental reviews, permits and mineral leases for mining projects in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed.
Walz said mining could threaten the wilderness and an outdoor recreation economy worth nearly $1 billion.
Under the order, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency must also enforce existing mining requirements within the affected watershed.
The restrictions primarily cover state-controlled lands rather than federal territory.
Walz's administration plans to pursue legislation that would permanently prohibit nonferrous mining in the watershed, citing environmental protection and the region's recreational importance.
Related Tweet:
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed an executive order Tuesday that bans mining for copper, nickel, and other nonferrous minerals within a watershed in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. https://t.co/JJHoVDDnp3
— Bloomberg Law (@BLaw) August 18, 2026
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