WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statements after Twin Metals Minnesota put forward their Mine Plan of Operation, kicking off the arduous environmental review process required before construction can begin on the project. 

Emmer stated, “Mining is a way of life for thousands of Minnesotans. With the largest untapped copper-nickel deposit in the world, our state is ready to step up and realize America's full mining potential. More than two years ago, I introduced Minnesota’s Economic Rights (MINER) in the Superior National Forest Act to restore our state’s right to explore and - if environmentally appropriate - mine valuable precious metals. Today, because of the MINER Act and the work of this Administration, the announcement of Twin Metal’s Mine Plan of Operation is the start of another chapter in Minnesota’s rich mining history. 

Emmer concluded, stating: “Following an extensive environmental review process designed to protect the natural treasures of our state, this project can provide the region with new jobs and economic prosperity for generations to come. Today’s Mine Plan of Operation is the culmination of years of work to fully restore Minnesota's right to explore, and I am pleased that Minnesotans may once again have an ability to showcase to the world what we do best.”

Stauber stated, “In northern Minnesota, mining is our past, present, and future. This Mine Plan of Operation represents the future of our mining industry, as our friends and neighbors will target another key section of the Duluth Complex to supply the world’s demand for precious metals.

Stauber continued, stating, “Copper, nickel, and other precious metals found in the Duluth Complex are not just essential to powering the modern world but are also key to unleashing the economic engine in our part of the state. The development of these resources will be done responsibly as our regulations are the strongest in the world and mandate that  this company operates at the highest of environmental and labor standards.

Stauber concluded, stating, “We need the jobs and metals this project will provide, so I look forward to seeing our miners meet or exceed every local, state, and federal environmental regulation.”