Next steps for NewRange mine permit delayed until late 2025
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has suspended proceedings on the NewRange Copper Nickel project until August 2025. The company is studying potential changes to the project’s design as of August 2024, though it stands by its current design submitted for permitting.
The proposed NewRange Copper Nickel project, formerly known as NorthMet, would be Minnesota’s first copper-nickel mine. This is the latest setback for the mine, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revoked a wetlands permit in June 2023.
NewRange Copper Nickel describes the new studies as relating to tailings storage, water quality, efficient production, and carbon reduction. If changes are proposed to the mine’s plan as the result of these studies, it may be subject to more environmental review and permitting, with opportunities for public comments. NewRange’s predecessor, PolyMet, began the permitting process in 2004 — 20 years ago — and received key state permits in 2018.
NewRange spokesperson Bruce Richardson is quoted in the Duluth News Tribune expressing disappointment about DNR’s decision:
“While NewRange’s previously announced studies may alter some aspects of the NorthMet Project, there are elements of the recommendation that could affect the design of any nonferrous tailings facility in Minnesota,” said NewRange spokesperson Bruce Richardson. “The DNR has an obligation to determine and communicate what its rules mean.
“While the NewRange studies will continue, today’s decision has unnecessarily extended the current uncertainty over the regulation of these facilities.”
The press release from NewRange offers some details about the new studies it will perform:
NewRange is studying a variety of tailings storage options that will minimize impact by reusing the former LTV iron ore tailings facility and clean up impacts from previous iron mining operations, leaving the region in better condition than it is today. Options include keeping the current design detailed in permits, potentially refining the current design to use a centerline dam design, or possibly relocating tailings storage to nearby unused mining pits…
NewRange is reviewing planned water treatment technologies, which already meet all applicable water quality standards…
NewRange is studying how to utilize the existing footprint to modestly increase production from 32,000 tons per day to 40,000 tons per day to deliver an increased domestic supply of high demand copper, nickel and cobalt, while reducing project emissions…
There would be no change to the project’s 225 million total tonnage of minerals currently permitted for mining and processing. However, if feasible, increased daily production could shorten the mine plan from 20 years to 15 years…
“We are also studying whether an opportunity exists for NewRange to have a net negative carbon footprint, thanks in part to the unique geologic characteristics of its rock formation. NewRange is exploring various techniques to sequester carbon in the mine tailings.”