Minnesota Court Affirms Major Permit for NewRange Copper-Nickel Mine

The decision comes amidst ongoing legal and regulatory challenges, with environmental groups warning of potential risks.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed a decision to grant a major permit for the proposed NewRange copper-nickel mine, a joint venture between Swiss commodities giant Glencore and Canada-based Teck Resources.
The court ruled that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency had adequately considered the possibility of future expansion when issuing an air emissions permit for the project in 2019.
Environmental groups had accused the developers of 'sham permitting' and warned of potential environmental risks due to the potential for acid mine drainage from the sulfide-bearing ore.
Company officials stated that they were undecided about any future expansion and that any increase in the size of the mine would require a new permitting process.
Other crucial permits, including a 'permit to mine,' a wetlands destruction permit, and a water pollution permit, remain tied up in court and regulatory proceedings.