UP NORTH JOBS

09/29/2026

09/28/2026

Another $12 billion loss to the iron range! We cannot survive without jobs! Be careful who you vote for.

Mesabi Metallics plans on building a steel plant in Iowa, on top of the $2.5 billion dollar investment in Nashwauk.

09/28/2026

09/22/2026

09/16/2026

Governor Tim Walz announced today an executive order that pauses all leasing and permitting in the Rainy River watershed, a region at the center of Minnesota’s mining industry, pending the conclusion of litigation. Jobs for Minnesotans vehemently opposes the decision.

09/13/2026

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has canceled one of Twin Metals Minnesota’s state mineral leases. Although this particular lease was not part of the company’s original mine plan, the decision is appalling—but unfortunately, it is not surprising.

The decision further demonstrates the backwards logic of an administration that repeatedly looks for ways to restrict responsible mineral development rather than capitalize on Minnesota’s world-class resources, skilled workforce, and rigorous environmental standards.

“America is in a race for the critical minerals that power our national defense, electric grid, and economy, yet Governor Walz and the DNR continue to put their heads in the sand. Canceling Twin Metals’ lease is a gift to foreign adversaries that dominate critical mineral supply chains. Worse, the lease covers School Trust Lands intended to generate revenue for Minnesota’s schools. This administration is turning its back on miners, workers, and students. We call on Governor Walz and the DNR to reverse this decision. It is always better to mine under America’s standards than outsource that responsibility to countries that do not share them."

Ryan Sistad - Executive Director of Better In Our Back Yard.

Regardless of who becomes Minnesota’s next governor, Better In Our Back Yard encourages the next administration to embrace what Governor Walz himself once claimed to believe: follow the science, respect the established regulatory process, and give companies a fair opportunity to prove they can mine responsibly and safely in the North Star State.

Minnesota should be producing the minerals vital to U.S. national security while creating good-paying union jobs and lasting economic opportunities for communities across the Iron Range.

08/27/2026

A TALE OF TWO GREAT LAKES STATES AND TWO VERY DIFFERENT REALITIES

From Minnesota’s Iron Range to Michigan’s U.P. Range, two neighboring Great Lakes states are creating two entirely different realities for responsible copper mining.

Last week, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order halting environmental review and permitting for nonferrous mining projects in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed. The order attempts to directly hinder multiple projects and prevents regulators from determining whether they can meet Minnesota’s rigorous environmental standards.

Twin Metals Minnesota is proposing a $1.7 billion underground copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals mine near Ely and Babbitt. It could create more than 750 direct jobs, 1,500 additional regional jobs and several million union construction hours.

The project proposes a surface footprint up to 85 percent smaller than a comparable open pit mine and dry stack tailings technology that eliminates the need for a conventional tailings dam. These plans should be evaluated by scientists and regulators—not rejected politically before environmental review can occur.

Meanwhile, one week later, Michigan approved $50 million through the Michigan Strategic Fund to advance Highland Copper’s fully permitted Copperwood Project in the Western U.P. Range.

The $425 million project is expected to create 380 jobs paying between $80,000 and $120,000 annually and generate $121 million in state and local tax revenue. Combined with up to $250 million in potential financing from the U.S. Export Import Bank, this support moves Copperwood closer to construction.

Michigan allowed Copperwood to undergo rigorous environmental review, secure its permits and earn the opportunity to advance. Minnesota is denying Twin Metals even the chance to do the same.

Two Great Lakes states. Two historic mining regions. Two proposed copper mines. Two entirely different realities.

Michigan is investing in its U.P. Range, family supporting jobs and America’s copper supply chain.

Minnesota is placing political roadblocks in front of its Iron Range and replacing scientific review with predetermined rejection.

Congratulations to Highland Copper and the Western Upper Peninsula on this major step forward.

Minnesota’s Iron Range deserves the same opportunity.

08/26/2026

Minnesota has a mineral policy. It’s right in state law.

Minnesota Statute 93.001 establishes a clear state policy: to support the long-term exploration, evaluation, environmental research, development, production, and commercialization of the state’s mineral resources.

That means responsible mineral development isn’t at odds with protecting Minnesota’s future. It’s part of the state’s longstanding policy - one that recognizes the importance of both mineral development and environmental research.

Good policy means doing both: developing the minerals we need while continuing to evaluate and protect the resources we value.

Read Minnesota Statute 93.001: Policy for Mineral Development
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/93.001