Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement following reports that Antofagasta, the Chilean parent company of Twin Metals, could face up to a $24 million fine for violating Chile’s environmental protection laws:
“The revelation of Antofagasta’s environmental violations at a Chilean mine is yet another reason to reject this company’s plans to conduct dangerous mining in Minnesota’s Rainy River Drainage Basin.
“Sulfide-ore copper mining is an inherently risky activity and would likely lead to permanent damage to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park. Antofagasta’s poor environmental record conducting this type of mining in its home country exacerbates that risk.
“The Obama administration should act quickly to prevent Antofagasta from conducting sulfide-ore copper mining in the Rainy River Drainage Basin. We simply cannot allow a company that shows a reckless disregard for environmental regulations to mine next to our Minnesota treasures.”