The Biden Administration’s commitment to taking strong actions against the climate crisis is commendable, but the government’s actions today run counter to their commitment. Copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum group metals, which are critical to propel our country’s transition to a low-carbon future are essential tools to combat climate change. These minerals can be mined domestically, safely and create hundreds of much needed jobs in right here in Minnesota.
We cannot call for more electric vehicles and clean energy sources on one hand, and then shut out the development of the very minerals needed to make this transition. The government’s action today is an attempt to block even the consideration of copper-nickel mining projects across a vast area of northeast Minnesota based on politics, not science. It is an attack on the future accessibility of critical minerals and on the people of northeast Minnesota who have proudly and responsibly developed natural resources for generations.
The Minnesota Building and Construction Trades supports the mining industry, the economic recovery of northeast Minnesota and the jobs it would bring.