On Thursday, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced its decision to approve three important permits for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. Today’s action includes approval of the water quality and air quality permits and the Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification for the NorthMet mine.

The approvals follow the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issuance in early November of the permit to mine, dam safety, water appropriations, takings, and public waters work permits, along with the Wetlands Conservation Act approval. In total, the MPCA and DNR have issued 17 permits and other approvals for the PolyMet project.

Senate Republicans issued the following statements upon the approvals by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency:

“Today’s decision to grant permits for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine is excellent news for the residents of the Iron Range and everyone across Minnesota,” said Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids). “Upon completion, the new mine will provide a major boost to our state economy in the form of many new, good-paying union jobs, increased state tax revenues, and billions of dollars for the school trust.”

“This is a milestone decision and represents the culmination of many years of hard work by the citizens of northeastern Minnesota and PolyMet,” said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa). “After 15 years of fighting, the PolyMet project has cleared its last state hurdle, and now waits on one final federal approval before it can break ground. As a former Iron Ranger, I’m elated to see the project so close to the goal line and look forward to seeing the beneficial impact that it provides to the Range.”