Overview
- The House passed H.J. Res. 140 by a 214–208 vote in January, sending the measure to the Republican-controlled Senate for a vote expected next week.
- The 2023 Interior decision established a 20-year withdrawal over nearly 225,000 acres in the Superior National Forest that includes headwaters of the Boundary Waters.
- The withdrawal constrained access to one of the world’s largest undeveloped deposits of copper, nickel and cobalt and stalled Twin Metals’ proposed $1.7 billion mine near Ely after federal leases were canceled.
- Supporters say reversing the withdrawal would revive jobs and bolster supplies of metals used in electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines, while opponents warn of acid mine drainage and long-term water pollution risks.
- Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith is urging Republicans to oppose the resolution and highlights concerns about interest from Antofagasta, while supporters say the president would likely sign the measure if it reaches his desk.