New video on mine’s risk to a clean Mississippi
From protecting Ojibwe maple sugar traditions to the tap water we drink, explore how clean water connects us all in this new video from Water Over Nickel and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
FMR is an official partner of Water Over Nickel, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's initiative to protect clean water, land and cultural resources from the negative impacts of a proposed nickel mine in Tamarack, Minnesota.
Threats to water quality and the Mississippi River
In nickel mining, metals and material waste are taken from the ground and exposed to water. This can create sulfuric acid, which has the same chemical composition as battery acid and may result in acid mine drainage that would affect not only surface and groundwater supplies, but also aquatic life, plant life, cultural sites and more.
No mine of this type in the U.S. or Canada has operated long-term without polluting its watershed. And the proposed mine would be located in the Mississippi and St. Croix watersheds, putting critical drinking water sources and habitats at risk. Read more about this issue here.
Significant risks to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and other nearby communities would be most impacted by the environmental consequences of the mine. The proposed mine is located only 1.3 miles from community members’ homes.
The polluting effects of this mine would harm not only clean drinking water but cultural and land use resources for Mille Lacs Band members. Outside of adverse effects to Ojibwe maple sugaring traditions, sulfate pollution can severely damage the health of Manoomin (wild rice), a vital cultural and nutritional resource of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) tribes in the area, which have fought for its protection. Aitkin County is home to some of the most productive Manoomin beds in the state and country.
FMR’s role, and how you can help
As a Water Over Nickel member, FMR stands with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in raising concerns about the significant risks posed by the proposed Tamarack Mine. Numerous stages of environmental review and permitting remain before the mine can begin operations, a process that is likely to take years.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources anticipates a public comment period for the first stage of the environmental review process in 2026.
Sign up as a FMR River Guardian to be notified about opportunities to learn more and participate in the process as the public comment period approaches.
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