St. Paul, Minn. (August 2, 2023) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the below statement following today’s decision released today from Minnesota Supreme Court related to NewRange Copper Nickel’s NorthMet Project’s water discharge permit:

“While we are disappointed this decision will add additional process and resources to review the NorthMet project permit, we stand by NewRange Copper Nickel’s commitment to working with state, federal and tribal agencies to help provide clarification around this permit.

“We encourage supporters of responsible industry to stay strong. NorthMet is a critical project for the clean energy transition, the region of northeast Minnesota, our state and country. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Energy added copper to its Critical Materials List which already included nickel and platinum as well as other minerals.  This means copper has a high risk of supply chain disruption and serves an essential function in energy technologies that produce, transmit, store and conserve energy.

“Minnesota could be a global leader and provide the minerals needed for a clean energy future. Now more than ever, it is critical we secure the ability to mine these metals domestically, where these projects are held to the highest environmental and labor standards in the world.”

About Jobs for Minnesotans

Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.

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