Sen. Smith holds Senate floor in protest of revoking protections for MN’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Minnesota U.S. Sen. Tina Smith is holding the floor of the Senate in opposition to legislation that would allow copper-nickel mining  in the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Smith says that would be devastating to the pristine wilderness area.

Her office says a recent poll showed that 70% of Minnesotans agreed that protecting the Boundary Waters from sulfide-based mine pollution should be a very important priority for elected officials in the state.

Smith also says using the Congressional Review Act to overturn a mineral withdrawal has never been done before.

The proposed mine is owned by a Chilean mining conglomerate, Antofagasta.

Smith says critical minerals will likely be shipped to China for smelting then sold to the highest bidder or use them to build out their own military and electrical grid.

“If they want to go against the will of Minnesotans, then I am going to hold the Senate floor for hours to give them every opportunity to change their minds and do the right thing. This is a special place beloved by Minnesota and the country, and this mine poses an unacceptable threat,” said Senator Smith. “We can mine responsibly here in the United States to access the critical minerals we need. But this mine, in this place, using this unprecedented process, is not the way to do it.”

Smith took the Senate floor around 7:45 p.m. Wednesday and other senators have gotten up to share their opposition to the legislation.

Livestream available here.