A Minnesota court heard arguments Aug. 19 in a case involving Northshore Mining Company, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and environmental advocacy group Water Legacy.
At issue is whether construction at the Milepost 7 tailings basin should be paused until a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is completed. Over 100 people attended the virtual court proceeding.
This case was filed in district court after Water Legacy won an appeal reversing the Minnesota DNR’s decision that no EIS was needed for the Mile Post 7 tailings expansion project.
The appeal that puts EIS level environmental review back in the process was decided in February 2025. Water Legacy is seeking a temporary injunction to halt construction they say they have drone evidence of, citing concerns that the project began without proper environmental review and poses risks to public safety due to potential dam instability. Northshore Mining and the DNR maintain that all current activities have been conducted under valid permits and that the tailings dams are safe. Northshore Mining representatives stated that earth moving equipment and activity is involved in regular maintenance at Milepost 7
Judge Leonardo Castro is now considering whether to issue a temporary injunction to preserve the status quo while the environmental review process continues. A decision is expected soon.
