NEW Video. Update on PolyMet sulfide mine threats of toxic pollution, dam failure and threats to downstream communities. Call Gov. Tim Walz and at 651-201-3400 and ask him to reopen PolyMet permits due to improper process and dam safety threats.

Downstream communities, including Indigenous people in Minnesota are under a direct threat from the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel sulfide mine. Toxic pollution from PolyMet would pollute clean water, impair wild rice, and contaminate fish with toxic mercury in waters where Anishinaabe people have Treaty-reserved rights to hunt, fish and gather.

Fond du Lac member and Pipe Carrier, Ricky W. Defoe joined WaterLegacy on a canoe journey to the proposed PolyMet site. We saw first-hand what’s at stake and deepened our resolve to protect these life-giving waters at the headwaters that flow into Gichi-Gami (Lake Superior).

The Fond du Lac Band, WaterLegacy, and other environmental groups have challenged PolyMet permits in state and federal court. Because of our collective efforts, PolyMet’s water pollution permit, dam permits and permit to mine have all been stayed by the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Next week, on October 23, we’ll seek to overturn PolyMet permits in oral argument at the Court of Appeals.

Let’s stand together to protect clean water living beings, the health of our families, and future generations from the PolyMet sulfide mine.  Call Governor Tim Walz at 651-201-3400 and ask him to reopen PolyMet permits due to improper process and dam safety threats.

That is a good way to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

(Editor’s Note: Minnesota is one of an increasing number of states that now celebrate Indigenous People’s Day.)

Thank you,  Paula G. Maccabee
WaterLegacy Advocacy Director and Counsel

P.S. Please contact emma@waterlegacy.org if you plan to join us to hear the Court of Appeals oral argument on PolyMet in St. Paul at 9:30 am on Wed., Oct. 23.

Link to above video:  Watch and share WaterLegacy’s new video to learn where PolyMet stands today and what you can do to protect Minnesota’s clean water.