The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.523, to modify mining restrictions within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and the Rainy River headwaters. It introduces new definitions, including the term "Rainy River headwaters," and clarifies that no state-owned or administered land may be leased for mineral exploration or mining without prior legislative approval, particularly in cases of national emergency declared by Congress. The bill specifies that mining for taconite, iron ore, sand, gravel, and granite may be permitted in the Rainy River headwaters if deemed non-detrimental to the BWCA.

Additionally, the bill prohibits peat harvesting on state-owned lands within the BWCA without legislative approval during national emergencies. It establishes a process for investigating the necessity of exploiting natural resources in the BWCA and mandates that if reasonable alternatives exist, no permits for development will be issued. If the commissioner of natural resources determines a need for resources from the BWCA, permits may be granted only with state legislative approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 84.523