Governor Tim Walz is taking action to block copper-nickel mining in the watershed that feeds the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Walz signed an executive order Tuesday directing state agencies to halt permitting and environmental review for nonferrous mining projects, mining for metals such as copper and nickel rather than iron, in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed.

Minnesota’s District 8 Representative Pete Stauber introduced the bill that led to Congress lifting a 20-year federal mining restriction in the area earlier this year. Twin Metals, the Minnesota subsidiary of Chilean mining giant Antofogasta, is pursuing a proposed copper-nickel mine near Ely and Babbitt.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Governor’s website at mn.gov/governor.