Group seeks another environmental review for PolyMet mine

A clean water group has petitioned state and federal regulators for another environmental review for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota.

The project has already undergone an extensive environmental review, and PolyMet is now seeking permits.

But Paula Maccabee, an attorney for WaterLegacy, says critical details have changed so much since what was supposed to be the final review that a supplemental environmental impact statement is needed, particularly if PolyMet wants to expand the mine.

WaterLegacy also cites Swiss commodities giant Glencore, the largest investor in PolyMet, which was recently ordered to give the U.S. Justice Department documents relating to compliance with corruption and money laundering rules stemming from activities in Africa and Venezuela.

Maccabee says that case raises questions about PolyMet's financial capacity to cover cleanup costs.