FMR River Guardians speak up in first round of comments on proposed mine

This summer, the public had its first opportunity to comment on a proposed nickel-sulfide mine in Tamarack, Minnesota, roughly 120 miles north of St. Paul, near Lake Mille Lacs, in the Mississippi River watershed. 

Hundreds of FMR River Guardians advocated for clean water for current and future generations, sending 477 messages to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

FMR also submitted a letter to the state agency, requesting a thorough review of the mine’s potential impacts on surrounding waters, including in the Mississippi River Watershed: "Minnesotans believe we must protect water for current and future generations. The scope of the EIS for the Tamarack Mine, as it stands, fails to adequately account for the mine’s potential impacts on surface water, groundwater, and wetlands in the mining area and downstream."

FMR is proud to be a Water Over Nickel campaign partner, along with Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, EarthJustice and Mud Enviro. 

We are in the very early stages of environmental review for the proposed mine, which could negatively impact the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and other local communities. 

The DNR collected comments for the "scoping" phase, stage one of three. The final environmental impact statement may take several years. 

There will be at least two more public comment opportunities in upcoming years to show Minnesotans are standing up for clean water. To stay up to date on this proposed mine and other opportunities to protect the Mississippi River and its watershed, sign up to be a River Guardian.