Minnesota Supreme Court Strikes Down PolyMet Mining Permit, Citing EPA Warnings and Arbitrary Decision

The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) was "arbitrary and capricious" in granting a permit to mining company PolyMet, now known as New Range Copper Nickel LLC, to discharge polluted water. The court directed the MPCA to reopen the permitting process and address the procedural irregularities. This ruling is the latest setback for mining projects in northern Minnesota, following the cancellation of mineral leases and a moratorium on mining in the region. The court found that the MPCA failed to address Environmental Protection Agency concerns and suppressed information from the public. It also highlighted violations of existing regulations and the need to consider stricter water quality standards set by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.