Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order blocking critical mineral mining near the Boundary Waters, defying Trump's push to unlock American copper and nickel as Republicans warn the move benefits China.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order blocking new copper-nickel mining permits and leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, directly defying President Donald Trump's push to unlock American critical minerals. Republican leaders say the move hands an advantage to Communist China and puts U.S. national defense at risk. The order lands four months after Trump signed legislation reversing a federal mining moratorium in the region.
The executive order directs Minnesota agencies to stop all permitting, leasing, and environmental review work on nonferrous mining proposals in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, the water system connected to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. State regulators will no longer participate as a cooperating agency in any federal environmental review of mining in the area, and they will not process permits while litigation over state mining regulations remains ongoing.
Walz is also directing the state Department of Natural Resources to draft legislation prohibiting nonferrous mining in the watershed outright. He framed the move as protecting the region's water, wildlife, and a nearly $1 billion outdoor recreation economy.
"It's our duty as Minnesotans to ensure the sacred place remains wild, pristine and unharmed," Walz said. At the same time, he acknowledged the mineral question is real: "I don't deny we need critical minerals."
In April, Trump signed legislation approved by Congress that lifted a 2023 federal moratorium on mining in the Superior National Forest area, clearing the way for copper, nickel, and other critical mineral development. He said the move would create jobs and strengthen American mining at a time when the U.S. is racing China for control of the minerals that power modern technology.
Northeastern Minnesota is home to the Duluth Complex, the largest known untapped source of nickel and copper in North America. Those metals are essential for electric vehicle batteries, military equipment, commercial electronics, and power transmission infrastructure. Walz's order effectively blocks state cooperation with the federal push, creating a state-level roadblock to the administration's mineral strategy.
Republicans argue that leaving the Duluth Complex locked up puts the United States at a disadvantage against China's dominance in critical mineral mining and processing. Rep. Tom Emmer warned the order would "harm Minnesota, good union jobs in northern Minnesota," and put national defense "more at risk with our enemies, adversaries like Communist China."
Even inside Minnesota, the reaction is far from unanimous. A state Senate Democrat opposed the order, and Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth noted that critical minerals "are going to come from someplace." She argued that responsible domestic production would strengthen supply chains, create high-paying Minnesota jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign sources.
The executive order is temporary by design. Under state law, it expires 90 days after Walz leaves office next April unless his successor adopts it, which means Minnesota's next governor could reverse it quickly. Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of Chile's Antofagasta Minerals, has pursued copper-nickel mining in the national forest since 2019, though no project is currently shovel-ready.
Environmental groups hailed the order, while mining advocates and Republicans say it will face pressure and legal challenges. The fight pits state authority against the federal push for mineral independence, with national security and the competition with China hanging in the balance.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order blocking critical mineral mining near the Boundary Waters, defying Trump's push to unlock American copper and nickel as Republicans warn the move benefits China.
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