U.S. Forest Service balks at copper-nickel mining plan near BWCA

The U.S. Forest Service said Monday it is "deeply concerned" about a proposed copper mine next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and may deny the mineral leases that are critical for the controversial project to proceed.

Citing the risk of contamination to a pristine watershed from all phases of mining, the Forest Service took the highly unusual step of asking for public comment on the project proposed by Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of a giant Chilean mining conglomerate, and announcing a public hearing in Duluth on July 13.

http://www.startribune.com/u-s-forest-service-balks-at-copper-nickel-mining-plan-near-bwca/382811711/