Toxic mining near the Boundary Waters raises long-term pollution concerns

The pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness faces new threats from proposed copper-nickel sulfide mining projects in northern Minnesota. Chris Knopf, executive director of Friends of the Boundary Waters, joins the show to explain why this type of mining poses such serious risks. Unlike traditional iron mining, sulfide mining produces sulfuric acid, which can contaminate lakes and rivers for centuries. The region?s vast, connected waterways mean pollution could spread across millions of acres, reaching even Lake Superior. Knopf discusses the Prove It First bill, which would require proof a sulfide mine can operate and close without pollution before being permitted in Minnesota.