NewRange Submits Federal Wetland Permit Application and State Supplemental Environmental Review Request
NewRange Copper Nickel, home to one of America’s largest undeveloped copper and nickel resources, today announced it submitted the NorthMet Project’s Clean Water Act Section 404 wetland permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a request to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to complete a supplemental environmental review (SEIS).
NewRange also unveiled proposed design enhancements for the NorthMet Project, located largely on previously impacted mining lands and supported by existing infrastructure. The enhancements reflect years of additional engineering, expanded site data, and stakeholder input.
The enhancements are designed to strengthen water management, reduce discharge of water by an estimated 75 percent compared with the previous design, support long-term environmental performance, and prioritize the redevelopment of previously impacted mining lands while modernizing legacy infrastructure. Details are available here.
“NewRange is forging the next chapter of this historic northern Minnesota mining district,” said Tannice McCoy, President & General Manager of NewRange Copper Nickel. “The NorthMet Project gives previously impacted lands a new life by responsibly developing critical minerals, supporting domestic supply chain creation, and growing the economy for the local skilled workforce. It’s the right project, in the right place, at the right time to make Minnesota a world leader in 21st century resource development.”
The NorthMet Project is positioned to play a crucial role in strengthening U.S. energy and national security. It would help unlock a secure, domestic supply of copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group elements (PGE) essential to power grid infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and modern technologies. As global competition for these resources intensifies, developing a homegrown supply from a globally significant deposit reduces reliance on foreign sources and helps reinforce America’s supply chain resilience.
NewRange has previously completed substantial elements of the rigorous state permitting process and currently holds 21 of 24 permits required to begin NorthMet operations. The company will continue working collaboratively with stakeholders as the remaining reviews proceed.
Under Minnesota’s process, the Department of Natural Resources will determine whether a SEIS is required and, if so, will define its scope for public review and comment. At the federal level, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will evaluate the Section 404 application, determine completeness, and establish the appropriate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) pathway, including whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is necessary.
