August 18, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As Governor Walz contradicts his own DNR agency decision, LIUNA urges future Administration and all leaders to follow the science and process
ST. PAUL, MN — Today, LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota, Minnesota’s Infrastructure Union, released the following statement after Governor Tim Walz signed an Executive Order to stop all permitting and environmental review work on nonferrous mineral mining projects in the Rainy River watershed.
For eight years, Governor Walz has said mining decisions should follow the science and the state's regulatory process. A DNR Agency decision on nonferrous mine siting rule (Minn. R. 6132.200) was issued April 10, 2026 (
full decision) and said that Minnesota's nonferrous mining regulations are “adequate to protect the waters of the BWCAW from pollution, impairment, or destruction”. Today's order undermines that position.
“By doing a 180 today, Governor Walz is playing political football with our members’ livelihoods and the well-being of Northern Minnesota communities,” said Joel Smith, President and Business Manager of LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota. “This Executive Order contradicts the findings of Walz’s own DNR. You can't say follow the process and then shut it down for political gain.”
LIUNA members have been mining in Minnesota for more than 130 years. “We know how to build and operate mines safely and responsibly,” said Shawn Braford, LIUNA Local 1097 Business Manager (Iron Range and Northern Minnesota). “This decision is a slap in the face of our union and region.”
Mining projects create family-supporting careers for Steelworkers, Laborers and other Building Trades, in addition to community-supporting jobs at schools, hospitals, public and private sector employers across the Iron Range.
Derek Pederson, LIUNA Local 1091 Business Manager (Duluth-Superior area and Northeastern Minnesota) said, “We need to do our part to support the transition to clean energy and clean transportation by safely and responsibly mining critical minerals. Northern Minnesota sits on one of the world's largest untapped critical mineral deposits. Governor Walz knows better.”
LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota urge the next Administration and all decision-makers to follow the science and process the DNR itself already found sound.