15 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Apr 27
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota, spanning 1.1 million acres and over 1,100 lakes, faces risk from a planned mine in the Rainy River watershed.
Environmental groups warn that sulfuric acid, a byproduct of copper-nickel mining, could contaminate the pristine waters and endanger local wildlife and ecosystems.
As the most heavily visited wilderness area in the US, the Boundary Waters' future is uncertain, raising concerns among residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists about long-term environmental impacts.
Why are even conservative sportsmen opposing this foreign-owned mine near a beloved American wilderness?
With federal protections gone, can Minnesota's state laws single-handedly stop the controversial copper mine?
The U.S. needs copper for green tech. Must a priceless wilderness be sacrificed to get it?
A key state lease for the proposed mine is up for review. Could it be canceled this June?
Could a lawsuit granting legal 'rights' to wild rice become the last defense for the Boundary Waters?
Will modern technology prevent this mine from causing the pollution that plagued nearly all others like it?