Congress is considering legislation that would overturn a Biden administration decision placing a 20-year withdrawal on new copper and nickel mining leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The withdrawal followed a federal environmental review of the Rainy River watershed, which drains into the Boundary Waters, citing concerns about long-term water quality impacts.

Supporters of lifting the withdrawal, including Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber of the Eighth District, say future mining could support jobs and economic development in northern Minnesota.

DFL State Senator Grant Hauschild has said he does not support a blanket federal ban, favoring project-by-project review through existing state permitting processes.

Opponents argue sulfide-ore copper mining has a history of water pollution and could threaten the area’s environment and tourism economy.

Any proposed mine would still face years of state and federal permitting and environmental review.

For now, the debate continues, both in Washington and here in Minnesota.