Story perspectives

Senate Revokes Mineral Withdrawal, Opens Boundary Waters to Mining

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Senate voted to revoke a 20-year mineral withdrawal protecting 225,378 acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The revocation would enable a proposed sulfide-ore copper-nickel mine by Antofagasta, a Chilean company.
Environmental advocates criticized Congress for prioritizing corporate interests over public lands.
House passed a resolution to invalidate the withdrawal, with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump expected to assist Twin Metals in securing leases.

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Story summary

The U.S. Senate voted to revoke a 20-year mineral withdrawal protecting 225,378 acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The revocation would enable a proposed sulfide-ore copper-nickel mine by Antofagasta, a Chilean company.
Environmental advocates criticized Congress for prioritizing corporate interests over public lands.
House passed a resolution to invalidate the withdrawal, with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump expected to assist Twin Metals in securing leases.