A first-of-its-kind proposed nickel-copper-cobalt mine near Tamarack in Aitkin County had the first of two in person public comment periods on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at the McGregor High School. Known as the Tamarack Mining Project, the proposal comes from Talon Metals and is in its first stages of review by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR doubled the required 30-day comment period and will hold an additional public meeting on Aug. 12 in Blaine.
Representatives from proponents and opposition alike gathered to hear what others had to say and to share their own ideas. This was not a chance for the DNR to answer questions, but rather take information into account as they look to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Barb Naramore, the DNR’s Deputy Commissioner emphasizes the importance of hearing these comments to help determine the scope, project impacts and potential alternatives.
“We fully recognize and appreciate that people have a lot of strongly held opinions,” Naramore said. “The most helpful comments speak on the documents.”
Naramore notes that, in contrast to many mining projects in Minnesota, the Tamarack location does not plan to process the ore in-state. The review process involves coordination with other regulatory agencies and experts, forming what Melissa Kuskie, Director of the Ecological Resources Commission with the DNR describes as a continuous “feedback loop.”
The environmental review process is “fundamentally based on this public engagement component,” Kuskie said. “It’s an incredible amount of effort.” The DNR will sort through thousands of comments, categorizing, sending and addressing each piece.
“We ensure we put in the time to meaningfully answer it,” Kuskie said.
“No comment left behind,” Naramore added.
Public comment was open for over two hours that evening with a three minute time limit per individual. Of the wide range of comments, some came from Indigenous representatives, including Chief Executive Virgil Wind of the Mille Lacs Band, from farmers, local residents, religious leaders, mining professionals and district representatives. Jean Skinaway and Julie Skinaway-Fineday with the Sandy Lake Band of Mississippi Chippewa voiced concerns on wild ricing impacts, a delicate crop with key cultural components.
The proposed mine is estimated to reach 2,000 feet in depth and mine 10 million tons of ore over a 7-10 year period, loading ore onto rail cars within an existing rail line. Information provided by Talon Metals focused on processes and alternatives, mining methods, air quality, greenhouse gases and more.
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Commissioner of Natural Resources Kelly Applegate spoke in an interview on the mine’s potential impact on everyday life.
“We are here tonight to stand to protect water, our people and our culture from nickel sulfide mining,” Applegate said, encouraging people to consider how much of everyday life involves the need for clean water, whether making coffee or taking a shower.
Applegate considers the location of the mine to be far too big of a risk due to the natural resources both in the direct vicinity and connected through waterways.
For Applegate people “don’t need to be an expert” but should do their own research to come to a conclusion. Water Over Nickel is an initiative by the Mille Lacs Band and can be found here: waterovernickel.com
Water Legacy, a non-profit organization formed in 2009, echoed similar sentiments.
“It’s really inspiring to see how many people have shown up,” Sophia Patane, Community Engagement Director with Water Legacy said. Patane worries about potential impacts on the Mississippi if the mine goes forward.
Water Legacy member Shanai Matteson has visited the proposed mining site and others across the country.
“We have to see for ourselves,” Matteson said. “We hear the same stories everywhere we go. It has a lot to do with money.”
In fact, in a way, money is a motivating factor for mining advocates. In smaller northern communities, it can be difficult to keep youth in the area, especially with a lack of industry and job offers. Talon Metals and mining representatives emphasized the plight of shrinking communities and the need for steady income to support families and children. Despite environmental risk, some believe mining can be done right in a safe and productive manner.
Talon Metals has two Michigan locations, Eagle Mine and Humboldt Mill as well as a team with more than 11 years of experience. Talon Metals promises a reduced footprint, enclosed operations and compliance with state and federal guidelines.
The DNR vows a “rigorous, neutral and science-based” approach to all feedback received. No decisions will be made until the EIS is complete, a process that can be quite lengthy. DNR estimates expect action in March of 2029.
The next public comment period will be 5-9 p.m. Aug. 12 at the National Sports Center in Blaine: 1750 105th Ave. NE, Blaine, 55449
Comments are accepted online, verbally or through the mail until Sept. 14. The Mail-in address is below:
Tamarack EAW Project Manager
Environmental Review Unit
Ecological and Water Resources Division, DNR
500 Lafayette Rd. Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55155-4025
