Statement from Speaker Daudt on DNR Decision to Grant Permits to PolyMet Copper-Nickel Mine

On Thursday, November 1, 2018, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced its decision to issue numerous permits for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine in Northeastern Minnesota. The permits include the permit to mine (which includes the financial assurance plan), dam safety permits, a public waters work permit and an endangered species takings permit. Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, who has been a strong advocate for the project, released the following statement about that decision.

“Today’s long overdue decision to grant permits for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine is great news for the Iron Range and for all of Minnesota,” said Speaker Daudt. “This new mine will create many good-paying jobs in Northeastern Minnesota and provide a real boost to our state’s economy. This process has demonstrated our state’s commitment to environmentally-sound investment and development, but also shows that we desperately need more certainty in our state’s permitting process. I want to thank all of the citizens who have made their voice heard on this critically-important issue.”