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Water

Water shortages and problems around Minnesota — and the country — have many wondering what is the true cost of clean and reliable water. This reporting is supported in part by The Water Main, a project of American Public Media.

Water treatment a central question in PolyMet's environmental study

Water treatment a central question in PolyMet's environmental study

A proposed copper-nickel mining operation in northeast Minnesota would need long-term water treatment to ensure potentially toxic rock won't pollute area waterways, according to an environmental review released Friday.
by Elizabeth Dunbar and Dan Kraker

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Otto: Think of taxpayers when considering copper-nickel mining

Otto: Think of taxpayers when considering copper-nickel mining

State Auditor Rebecca Otto has been an outspoken skeptic of proposals to mine copper and nickel in northern Minnesota.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Photos: At PolyMet, ramping up to mine copper

Photos: At PolyMet, ramping up to mine copper

PolyMet Mining hopes to unlock copper in the rock of northeastern Minnesota. Their plans bring hope for economic development and fear of environmental damage to the region that used to be the hub of the iron ore industry in the state.

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PolyMet copper-nickel mine: Economic opportunity or too environmentally risky?

PolyMet copper-nickel mine: Economic opportunity or too environmentally risky?

This Friday the public will get its first peek at a long anticipated environmental study of one of the state's most controversial development projects in years: copper and nickel mining in northeastern Minnesota.
by Elizabeth Dunbar and Dan Kraker

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Environmental review requested in Minntac expansion

Environmental advocates Thursday asked a court to order a full environmental review of plans to expand Minnesota's largest taconite mine.
by Dan Kraker

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Slowing demand for frac sand changes the landscape in southeast Minnesota

Slowing demand for frac sand changes the landscape in southeast Minnesota

Sand is the crucial ingredient in the oil and natural gas extraction process known as fracking, and there are large deposits of it in the steep bluffs along the Mississippi River. But demand for sand has dropped.
by Elizabeth Baier

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Superior National Forest taking comments on Twin Metals study

Superior National Forest taking comments on Twin Metals study

The Superior National Forest is accepting public comment this week on a study related to a major proposed copper nickel mine.
by Dan Kraker

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State's top elected officials approve mineral leases, with reservations

The mineral leases are auctioned off periodically to companies interested in discovering minerals like copper, nickel or gold. The DNR held an auction for these leases a year ago, but the state's Executive Council decided not to sign off on them because of a court challenge.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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