State and federal environmental review of the NorthMet Mining and Land Exchange project (completed in 2016)
Update
On July 29, 2026, NewRange Copper Nickel LLC (NewRange) notified the DNR of proposed changes to its NorthMet Project, a planned mine and associated processing facility for the extraction of copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals, located about 6 miles north of Hoyt Lakes in St. Louis County. In accordance with applicable procedures, the DNR will review the proposed changes and determine whether a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) is required.
Originally proposed by PolyMet Mining, Inc., the NorthMet Project underwent environmental review from 2004 to 2016. NewRange Copper Nickel LLC, the project’s current owner, is proposing several modifications to the previously reviewed project design. Under state law, an SEIS may be required when proposed changes to a project are substantial and those changes affect the potential for significant adverse environmental effects or if there is new information or circumstances that significantly affect the environmental effects of the proposed project. The DNR will post its determination on whether the proposed changes require an SEIS on its NorthMet website within approximately one month.
NewRange is proposing several modifications to the NorthMet Project design that was previously reviewed. The company is proposing adjustments to the layout of the mining area and processing areas, including stockpiles, buildings, and water management infrastructure, which would remain within the project areas previously evaluated. NewRange also proposes to remove an additional processing step, the hydrometallurgical plant, that had been part of the previous design. Ore production would increase from approximately 32,000 to 40,000 tons per day, while the mine’s lifespan would decrease from 20 years to 16 years. Instead of using rail, NewRange proposes transporting material from the mine site to the on-site processing plant using a covered conveyor system approximately 8 miles in length. Finally, the company also proposes a new approach for managing tailings; rather than using the site’s existing tailings basin for tailings disposal, the new design proposes in-pit tailings disposal on adjacent prior minelands.
- Determination of Adequacy 2016
Determination of Adequacy 2016
On March 3, 2016, the DNR determined that the Final EIS for the proposed NorthMet Mining Project and Land Exchange was adequate (note: this does not apply to the proposed changes submitted in July 2026). The adequacy determination marked the end of the state EIS process under the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act.