Stauber and Emmer Present as Interior Assistant Secretary Joe Balash Signs Twin Metals Mineral Leases
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statements after the Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Land and Mineral Management Joe Balash signed the Twin Metals Hardrock Mineral Leases, moving Twin Metals a step closer to offering a mine plan of operation. Congressman Stauber and Congressman Emmer stood alongside Assistant Secretary Balash as he reinstated and signed the leases.
"In northern Minnesota, mining is our past, our present, and our future," said Congressman Stauber. "With 21st century technology, we can responsibly develop the resources needed for the modern world and unleash the economic engine of northeastern Minnesota. Unfortunately, misinformed policies of the past have not only prevented the responsible development of our resources but have even prohibited companies like Twin Metals from even submitting a proposed mining plan. I applaud Secretary Bernhardt and the Trump Administration for putting politics aside and rightfully giving our miners the opportunity to meet or exceed all environmental standards."
"Following the Interior's announcement today, I am pleased that the Trump Administration acknowledges that we can responsibly develop our state's resources - bringing jobs back to this region - without destroying the forests, lakes and streams that all Minnesotans hold dear," said Congressman Emmer. "Our state and local economies deserve to prosper, and we can ensure that, while also protecting Minnesota's beauty for future generations. When it comes to protecting the environment and developing our economic assets, nobody does it better than Minnesota."
Background:
16 days before leaving office, President Obama took several actions to harm the mining industry, and Minnesota's local economies in turn. On January 5, 2017, the Obama Administration's U.S. Forest Service (USFS) proposed a 234,328-acre federal mineral withdrawal in the Superior National Forest for a 20-year term, immediately placing this vast, mineral rich area off-limits.
In December 2018, the Trump Administration reversed President Obama's political mineral withdrawal.