(Ely, MN) — A Twin Metals subsidiary is seeking to continue mining operations for copper and nickel near Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The subsidiary named Franconia Minerals is proposing exploratory drilling at around 20 sites near Birch Lake, located about five miles east of Babbitt. Twin Metals’ proposal to build the mine so close to the Boundary Waters has been a controversial subject for the past decade. Supporters argue the mine would create hundreds of high-paying jobs and pump billions of dollars into the regional economy. Those opposed said it’s more likely to cause more pollution than iron ore mining, which could create acid mine drainage and leak heavy metals into the water of a treasured wilderness area.
