A bill that could change the outlook for proposed copper nickel mining in Minnesota has passed the U.S. House.

Authored by Congressman Pete Stauber, the Superior National Forest Restoration Act passed the House of Representatives on Monday.

This legislation would overturn the Biden Administration’s mineral withdrawal of 225,000 acres in the Superior National Forest, restore long-held mineral leases, and ensure timely reviews of Mine Plans of Operation.

Stauber’s statement read, “My legislation will remove the obstacles put in place by the Biden Administration, allowing our skilled miners to prove that they are ready to safely deliver Minnesota’s mineral wealth to the nation using the best environmental and labor standards in the world. As the demand for minerals continues to skyrocket, we must invest in mineral production here at home rather than continue our dependence on child slave labor and environmentally damaging adversaries overseas. I urge Senator Schumer to bring this important job-creating legislation to the Senate Floor immediately.”

Senator Tina Smith will not be supporting the bill. She sent a statement, which reads, “The Boundary Waters are some of the cleanest waters on Earth. I support mining, but not sulfide mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness’ watershed. The Superior National Forest Restoration Act rejects the science, and would put one of Minnesota’s greatest treasures at risk.”