PolyMet says state has activated the air permit

PolyMet said that the state has activated their air permit.

According to the company, the MPCA issued supplemental findings supporting its conclusions for the air permit for the NorthMet Project.

This satisfies a Court of Appeals order regarding the permit, which is required for the company to build and operate the first copper-nickel-precious metals mine in northeast Minnesota,

This concludes a process three years to the day after the MPCA issued PolyMet its air permit.

Since then, PolyMet has overcome multiple legal challenges to the permit, including prevailing in the Minnesota Supreme Court.

“As we have steadfastly maintained, the facts and science prove the project will meet air quality standards. That has never been in doubt,” said Jon Cherry, chairman, president and CEO. “This important permit moves us one big step closer to constructing NorthMet, a project that will provide numerous economic benefits to northeast Minnesota along with a U.S.-based supply of metals crucial for the transition to a greener economy,” he said.

“Of 22 lawsuits challenging the project only four cases remain and those are planned to be heard during 2022,” Cherry said. “All cases that have reached final conclusion have been in PolyMet’s favor.”

The NorthMet mine will feed the mineral supply chain to meet the growing global demand for copper, nickel, cobalt and other metals needed for the U.S. and global transition to clean energy technologies such as solar and wind farms, battery storage and electric mobility, Cherry said. Most of the known resources of nickel and cobalt in the U.S. are found in Minnesota according to the U.S. Geological Survey.