Saint Paul, MN - Today, LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of the Interior canceling Twin Metals Minnesota’s mineral leases renewed in 2019.
“We are disappointed in today’s decision to withdraw Twin Metals Minnesota’s mineral leases. This decision jeopardizes billions of dollars in potential economic benefits and delays efforts to build responsible mineral supply chains to support the clean energy transition.
“In recent months, hundreds of LIUNA members spoke at hearings or submitted comments in support of responsible nonferrous mining. We are grateful for our members’ efforts and we are hopeful that the courts will put us back on track.
“Today’s decision, issued just a week after the end of the comment period, is a step backward, both for Minnesota’s economy and for efforts to halt climate change through deployment of renewable and battery technology. These projects should be subjected to thorough environmental review, not treated like political footballs.”
