Twin Metals loses state mineral lease in northeastern Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources notified Twin Metals Minnesota that a state mineral lease, MM-9455-N, will be canceled effective Nov. 10, 2026.

The lease requires a company to be actively engaged in mining ore under the lease and to pay the state at least $100,000 in earned royalties under a metallic minerals lease within a calendar year. Because Twin Metals has not begun mining operations, the DNR exercised its authority to cancel the lease.

“The decision follows nearly a year of review and is based on a determination that the company has not met the performance and production requirements of the lease,” the DNR said in a statement to WTIP.

Gov. Tim Walz separately signed an executive order last month directing the DNR to review existing state nonferrous mineral leases in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed and strictly enforce compliance with their terms.

The canceled lease is one of dozens held by Twin Metals and does not end a mining debate that has divided mining and environmental advocates. The lease covers part of the Birch Lake deposit, while Twin Metals’ proposed mine would be located on the Maturi deposit, northeast of the canceled lease. Twin Metals continues to hold leases covering that area.

In a statement to WTIP, the mining company said:

“Twin Metals Minnesota is disappointed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ decision to cancel one of our long-held state mineral leases. We have invested considerable resources into exploring the minerals associated with this site. The canceled lease is also located on School Trust Lands, which are established in the Minnesota Constitution to fund every K-12 school district in the state and are intended to maximize revenue generation over the long term. If developed in the future, this lease would contribute significant revenue for the fund. Twin Metals has invested more than 16 years in extensive exploration, geological, environmental, hydrological and engineering work, doing so in strict accordance with all applicable state and federal regulations. We remain committed to advancing a sustainable underground mining project that will bring vital economic opportunities to northeastern Minnesota.”

Josh Hinke September 17, 2026