DNR Puts Mineral Leases Up for Sale in NE Minnesota

Would Be State's First Since 2012

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced plans to sell mineral leases in northeast Minnesota.

The leases under about 100,000 acres of land would give mining companies the right to look for valuable minerals like copper and nickel, as well as precious metals such as platinum and gold.

Minnesota Public Radio reports that the lease lands are mainly outside traditional mining areas.

The biggest area is some 47,000 acres around the Cloquet Valley State Forest, an area with large concentrations of platinum.

The mineral leases would be the state’s first since 2012.

Landowners back then argued that such leases should be subject to environmental review.

DNR director of lands and minerals Jess Richards says the agency is actively seeking public input on this sale.