Stauber Reintroduces Superior National Forest Restoration Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) reintroduced his Superior National Forest Restoration Act, legislation to overturn the Biden administration’s mineral withdrawal of 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest, restore long-held mineral leases, and ensure timely reviews of Mine Plans of Operation.
Of this legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, “The Biden administration’s mineral withdrawal in the Superior National Forest two years ago was a direct attack on our way of life in northern Minnesota and threatened our nation’s strategic national security. Thankfully, with Donald Trump back in the White House and Republicans in control of both Chambers of Congress, we are well positioned to reverse the damage done by President Biden and turn Minnesota into a critical mineral powerhouse. All options are on the table to overturn this mineral withdrawal, including the Superior National Forest Restoration Act, which would also reinstate mineral leases in the area and ensure timely reviews of Mine Plans of Operation. President Trump is the most pro-mining President in our nation’s history, and I look forward to working with his administration to get important mining projects across the finish line here in Minnesota, and nationwide.”
BACKGROUND:
The Duluth Complex, located within northern Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, is a world-class mineral deposit containing nearly 8 billion tons of copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metals. These minerals will soon see huge upswings in demand due to their use in defense applications, battery storage, electric vehicles (EVs), and other rapidly expanding sectors.
Despite the potential economic benefit to Minnesota’s Eighth District and growing demand for these minerals, the Biden administration took multiple actions to prevent the responsible development of the Duluth Complex.
On January 26, 2022, the Biden administration cancelled two decades-old mineral leases held by a prospective mine operator in the region, Twin Metals Minnesota. A year later, on January 31, 2023, the Biden administration’s mineral withdrawal of 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest went into effect, blocking development for 20 years.
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