Emmer claims Walz mining halt will boost China and cost Iron Range jobs

During one outlet's interview, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer denounced Governor Tim Walz’s recent executive order that halts permitting and leasing for copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters. Emmer argued the ban will force extraction to countries like China and Russia, which lack strict environmental rules, thereby endangering national security. He warned that the move could eliminate hundreds of union jobs on the northern Iron Range and cut funding to Minnesota’s public-school trust lands.

Emmer also targeted Senator Amy Klobuchar and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, accusing them of serving only downtown Minneapolis interests. Fellow Republican Pete Stauber labeled the order a “war on Northern Minnesota.” The order also puts existing leases, including one held by Twin Metals, under review.