ST. PAUL – Senator Justin Eichorn, R, Grand Rapids, and Senator Rob Farnsworth, R, Hibbing, released the following statement after the Walker Pilot-Independent reported Gov. Walz favored a moratorium on all new mining until existing mining laws could be updated:

“Minnesota has always been a leader and pioneer in mining our resources and keeping our land and water safe. For generations, people, business, and communities have worked together to utilize our natural resources while protecting the land and water for future generations. 

“A moratorium on new mining from Gov. Walz would be a death knell for mining in Minnesotan. It’s a scare tactic from dishonest environmental groups with no understanding of the rigorous permitting and testing already in place – permitting that has already resulted in lost businesses to other states. Minnesota’s Iron Range already has some of the cleanest water in the world after decades of mining. Modern technology is not going to put that at risk. 

“We are calling on the full Iron Range delegation and every legislator to stand up for the future of mining and oppose Walz’s moratorium, whether it’s by law, rulemaking, or though regulatory red tape. The Range is ready to mine today, with safety and protection already a top priority.”