Renewal of Twin Metals leases will likely lead to 8,500 new Minnesota jobs and $3.7 billion in economic growth
(St. Paul, MN) – Isaac Orr, Policy Fellow at Center of the American Experiment, released the following statement in response to the renewal of Twin Metals hardrock mineral leases in Northeastern Minnesota:
“Minnesota has the largest undeveloped deposits of copper and nickel in the world. Today’s decision by the Department of the Interior gives Twin Metals the opportunity to prove to Minnesota regulators that they can meet the strictest environmental standards and operate an environmentally responsible mining operation.
“Last summer, Center of the American Experiment released a report that found responsibly mining Minnesota’s copper, nickel, cobalt, and titanium resources would add $3.7 billion to Minnesota’s economic output and support 8,500 jobs and generate nearly $200 million in state and local tax revenue. The Twin Metals mine will play an important role in providing family supporting jobs, and helping to fund government services, which is top of mind given the current budget negotiations.”
Unearthing Prosperity: How Environmentally Responsible Mining will Boost Minnesota’s Economy
Isaac Orr is a policy fellow at Center of the American Experiment, where he writes about energy and environmental issues, including mining and electricity policy. Prior to joining Center of the America Experiment, Isaac served as a research fellow at The Heartland Institute, where he specialized in energy and environmental policy. Isaac has written extensively on hydraulic fracturing, frac sand mining and electricity policy, among other energy and environmental issues. His writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal,USA Today, the New York Post, The Hill, Orange County Register, The Washington Times, and many other publications.
Center of the American Experiment is “Minnesota’s Think Tank.” For more than 25 years, the Center has been the most impactful and effective public policy organization in Minnesota, leading the way in creating and advocating policies that make Minnesota a freer, more prosperous and better-governed state. The Center is a civic and educational 501(c)(3) organization.