On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti Minnesota’s mining fight has global consequences
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Jan 16, 2026 
Ernest Scheider, a Senior Correspondent at Reuters and author of "The War Below," discusses the environmental and geopolitical stakes surrounding America's largest untapped deposit of copper, nickel, and cobalt in Minnesota. He delves into the controversial mining proposals, legal battles, and the Biden administration's efforts to protect the area. Schneider highlights the economic dynamics of local communities, the national security implications of mineral access, and the global supply chain challenges posed by China's dominance in processing critical minerals.
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Large Critical-Mineral Deposit Near Boundary Waters
- The Maturi deposit under northeastern Minnesota holds large copper, nickel, and cobalt reserves critical for tech and EVs.
- Twin Metals proposes an underground mine with deep tunnels and mineral concentrate shipped off-site for processing.
Local Conservationists Warn Of Water Risk
- Ingrid Lyons and Save the Boundary Waters stress heavy public use and wilderness value of the area near the proposed mine.
- They warn that sulfide-ore mining risks acid rock drainage and lasting water pollution in this wet region.
Policy Reversal Threatens 20-Year Mining Ban
- The Biden administration issued a 20-year withdrawal banning mining around the Boundary Waters in 2023.
- The Trump administration and some lawmakers now seek to overturn that ban via Congressional review and legal claims.
