Take action: Submit a comment on the proposed sulfide mine
The site of the proposed nickel-copper sulfide mine, which would be near the area you see here, is located in both the Mississippi and St. Croix watersheds. (Photo by FMR)
This summer and into early fall, the public has its first opportunity to weigh in on a proposed new nickel-copper sulfide mine in Minnesota.
The mine, proposed by Talon Metals, would be built in Tamarack, Minnesota, about 120 miles north of the Twin Cities, (or about 30 miles northeast of Mille Lacs Lake). This location is in both the Mississippi and St. Croix watersheds.
No sulfide mine in the U.S. or Canada has ever operated long-term without polluting nearby waters. Friends of the Mississippi River has serious concerns about the potential negative consequences this mine could have on the Mississippi River and the nearby communities, including the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
Right now is a crucial time to get involved.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting public comments on the first stage of an early environmental review (read more about this process below) through Sept. 14. Use our form to write a message that will be delivered to the agency. We’ve pre-written a comment for you and it’s fully ready to be sent as-is, but you are also welcome to make edits before submitting.
There will also be an opportunity to provide comments in-person at an upcoming meeting, and that information is provided below.
Want to know more about how the DNR will use these comments and the type of feedback that is valuable at this stage? Keep scrolling and we'll walk through it in more detail.
Submit a comment + get involved
Submit a public comment here
Use this form to write a message that will be delivered to the Minnesota DNR. We’ve pre-written a comment for you and it’s fully ready to be sent as-is, but you are also welcome to make edits before submitting. Note that all public comments submitted will become a part of the public record and will list commenters' addresses.
Attend the public meeting on Aug. 12 in Blaine
The DNR is hosting one public meeting in the Twin Cities as part of this process. It'll be on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5-9 p.m. at the National Sports Center in Blaine (1750 105th Ave NE). There will be a project presentation and public comment opportunity starting at 6 p.m.
Individuals who are interested may be chosen to give a verbal public comment up to 3 minutes in length. Read more about the in-person meetings here.
Making in-person comments is an important way to convey public support for environmental protections. Click here for our tips on how to speak at a public meeting or email Jenna Hawkes at jhawkes@fmr.org with any questions. We hope to see you there.
Sign up to be a River Guardian
This public comment period is one step in a lengthy process. Sign up to be a River Guardian using this link to receive updates on future opportunities to take action on this issue.
How the public comment period works
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in charge of producing an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed mine. It's a detailed report that analyzes how a potential project might impact the environment, and helps provide information to decision-makers and permit-writers down the line. There are three phases to this impact statement process, and we’re currently in stage one: scoping.
From July 14 through Sept. 14, the public can submit comments to the DNR about the scoping stage.
It’s the first opportunity for everyone to formally weigh in on the mine proposal, and one of the most important ways we can influence how the state protects clean water, downstream communities and Tribal resources.
Protecting the Mississippi River from the impacts of nickel mining
Learn more about how the proposed copper-nickel sulfide mine would operate, as well as the communities, ecosystems and waters that could suffer the negative consequences.
The DNR is looking for feedback on what environmental and land use issues should be addressed in the final EIS. This is also an important time to demonstrate public support for a close eye on the potential environmental impacts of this mine.
Once the public comments are submitted, the DNR will read and compile them and they will become part of the public record. They may use these comments to update and amend the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement. This is important for ensuring that the environmental review process for this mine is as exhaustive and complete as possible. We want to make sure every possible environmental outcome for this mine is considered at this stage to fully understand the risks and dangers this mine poses.
There is a lengthy process ahead. Before any mining takes place, Talon Metals must still obtain permits from the DNR, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies.
The Environmental Impact Statement itself does not grant permission to mine, but it is an important advisory document to guide future decision-making about the project.
Want to stay up to date as this mine proposal moves forward? Sign up to be a River Guardian and you'll get all the latest info, including more opportunities to take action.
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