Resolution Number 22-21

RESOLUTION NUMBER 22-21

SUPPORT OF TWIN METALS

WHEREAS, nonferrous ores contain metals essential to modern daily life – copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium and gold – found in countless products including cell phones, computers, diabetes test strips, joint replacements, electrical wiring, hybrid cars, catalytic converters and wind turbines; and

WHEREAS, the significant domestic demand for these metals exceeds our national supply due to very few mines in the U.S. producing them, creating an unhealthy imbalance and outside reliance on indispensable raw materials, even with the high rate of recycling (the U.S. currently imports nearly 90 percent of its copper and gold, and only has one small nickel mine); and

WHEREAS, the mining industry has for generations supported tens of thousands of families in our region, dozens of communities, schools, commerce and recreation centers, and has created opportunities for scores of children to attend universities and technical schools to develop their own careers and families within the region; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF MOUNTAIN IRON, MINNESOTA, that the City of Mountain Iron declares:

1. Its support of upholding the current non-ferrous mining rules in place in Minnesota, because these rules are designed to strongly protect our environment and ensure any new proposed mining project meets the stringent standards in place before it can be permitted.

2. Its support upholding the current non-ferrous rules for the following reasons. Every new mining project deserves to be evaluated individually and specific to their site, design and unique geology.

3. The DNR should determine that it can depend on a broad range of environmental review and regulatory tools to assess the specifics of a mining proposal and ensure that it is regulated to the fullest extent necessary to protect the BWCAW.

4. The purpose of the DNR’s nonferrous mining rule is not to either prohibit nonferrous mining in the Rainy River watershed or grant blanket permission for mining to begin. Federal and state environmental laws, rules, and regulations require the successful completion of extensive review and permitting processes for mining operations to begin.

5. The state of Minnesota has already taken the necessary actions to protect the BWCAW through a long history of federal and state actions that strictly govern mining activity.

6. The rules are designed to act as a framework within which specific permit requirements are to be developed to address the unique issues anticipated to exist at each individual mine site, and they are meant to adapt to mining developments as they evolve, and technologies improve.

7. Mining in Minnesota has for more than 130 years coexisted with the wilderness and supported the economic stability of our state.

8. The Minnesota courts already rejected a challenge to these same rules in 2019.

9. It strongly support the DNR upholding the validity of the current non-ferrous mining rules, because the rules and the stringent regulatory review process in place are designed to adequately protect our environment, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

DULY ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL THIS 6^th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2021.

____________________________________

Mayor Peggy Anderson

ATTEST:

__________________________________

City Administrator