Minnesota Voters Oppose Mining Near Boundary Waters
A new statewide poll reveals that a clear majority of likely voters are against new mines in the protected area.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you support the development of new mines near protected wilderness areas in your state?
A Star Tribune/KARE 11 poll finds that 67% of likely Minnesota voters oppose new mining projects near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Only 26% of respondents expressed support for the potential development of these sites.
Why it matters
The survey results highlight a significant public divide regarding the future of the region, as the state and federal government have taken conflicting stances on mining activities in the Superior National Forest.
The Star Tribune/KARE 11 poll of likely voters shows 67% opposition to new mining projects versus 26% in favor. The exact economic and environmental trade-offs of the Twin Metals project near Ely and Babbitt remain a subject of debate.
The players
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the President of the United States.
Tim Walz
Tim Walz is the Governor of Minnesota.
Twin Metals
Twin Metals is a mining company seeking to extract metals in northern Minnesota.
The details
The Twin Metals project intends to extract copper, nickel, and platinum-group metals from a site situated between Ely and Babbitt. While President Donald Trump and Congress previously overturned a federal mining ban, Governor Tim Walz has implemented an executive order to prohibit mining on state minerals in the area.
Timeline
In the spring of 2026, federal authorities overturned a mining ban in the Superior National Forest.
Governor Tim Walz's executive order regarding state mineral mining is set to expire in 2027.
Political Context
Opponents of the current restrictions, including some federal lawmakers, argue that mining is essential for economic development and domestic mineral security. Meanwhile, environmental advocates emphasize that the risks to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness far outweigh the projected gains.
The ongoing regulatory uncertainty could influence future land-use decisions and state-level policy priorities for Minnesota residents. Voters may see these environmental protections become a central issue in upcoming state election cycles.
The takeaway
The sharp divide between state and federal mining policies reflects deeper tensions over resource management in northern Minnesota. Residents should monitor upcoming legislative developments in 2027 to see how state mineral rights are managed.
What happens next
Governor Walz's executive order restricting mining on state-owned land near the Boundary Waters is scheduled to expire in 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the state's political climate, visit Minnesota Elections.
More information
Review the full poll methodology and demographic breakdown for detailed survey data.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Tribune.
Live Poll
Do you support the development of new mines near protected wilderness areas in your state?
