About the project
The NorthMet Project is a planned mine and associated processing facility to extract copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals, located about 6 miles north of Hoyt Lakes in St. Louis County. Originally proposed by PolyMet Mining Corp., the project underwent comprehensive environmental review from 2004 to 2016, followed by the issuance of DNR state permits in 2018. Several of the NorthMet Project permits were subject to legal challenges and mining has not commenced at the site. In 2023, PolyMet Mining Corp. and Teck Resources formed a joint venture known as NewRange Copper Nickel LLC (NewRange). The NorthMet Project is now a NewRange project.
Environmental Review Process
From 2004 to 2016, the NorthMet Project went through an extensive environmental review process for the NorthMet Mining and Land Exchange Project. During this period, the DNR, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Forest Service led the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). In March 2016, the DNR deemed the Final EIS adequate, marking the end of the state's environmental review process at this time.
On July 29, 2026, NewRange notified the DNR of proposed changes to its NorthMet Project. The DNR will review the proposed changes and determine whether a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) is required. Under state law, an SEIS may be required when proposed changes to a project are substantial and those changes affect the potential for significant adverse environmental effects or if there is new information or circumstances that significantly affects the environmental effects of the proposed project. The DNR will post its determination on whether the proposed changes require an SEIS on the project page of the DNR website.
Learn more about the environmental review process »
Permitting
In November and December 2018, the NorthMet Project obtained a number of required permits and approvals. Please click on the links below to connect to the permitting webpages of individual state regulatory agencies.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency »
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources »