About this project

As the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) for mining projects in Minnesota, specifically permitting decisions, the DNR’s Lands and Minerals Division (LAM) has led extensive reviews of NorthMet’s project proposal and permit applications since 2005, in accordance with state laws and rules to ensure protections for the environment and public health. LAM’s evaluation process included reviewing more than 22,000 public comments on draft permits in 2017 and 2018.

After review, due investigation, and consideration of public comments and based on the information contained in the permit applications, and pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 93.44 to 93.51, the DNR issued the permit to mine (PTM) for NorthMet’s mining project on November 1, 2018.

The 2018 permit to mine is currently on hold pending the result of legal challenges. Currently, the DNR remains in a stay on the contested case and has no PTM application decision pending. If the stay is lifted or a permit amendment/application were to come forward, the DNR would follow all state laws and requirements on a path to a decision. Navigate through the timeline to learn more about the project up to this point. Timeline content.

Permitting, approvals and quarterly updates

Jul 01, 2025	Dam safety permit amendment on existing taconite tailings basin
Jan 31, 2025	Dam safety amendment requested on existing taconite tailings basin
Sep 24, 2021	DNR Initiates Contested Case Hearing Process Regarding PolyMet Permit to Mine
Apr 01, 2019	DNR – PolyMet Annual Report
Jan 22, 2019	DNR – Quarterly PolyMet Permitting Update – 4th Quarter 2018
Nov 01, 2018	DNR issues permits for NorthMet mining project in northeast Minnesota
Oct 19, 2018	DNR – Quarterly PolyMet Permitting Update – 3rd Quarter 2018
Sep 26, 2018	DNR – DNR receives revised application from PolyMet for a permit to take endangered and threatened species
Jul 10, 2018	DNR – Quarterly PolyMet Permitting Update – 2nd Quarter 2018
Apr 12, 2018	DNR - Quarterly PolyMet Permitting Update – 1st Quarter 2018
Mar 07, 2018	DNR - Deadline to Submit Written Responses to Petitions for Contested Case Hearings on the draft PolyMet Permit to Mine is April 6, 2018
Jan 30, 2018	Aurora and Duluth meetings provide opportunities for public comment on recently released draft PolyMet permits
Jan 29, 2018	DNR - Petition deadline for contested case hearing is February 28, 2018, for draft PolyMet Permit to Mine
Jan 05, 2018	DNR – State Announces Notice of Draft Permit to Mine for PolyMet NorthMet Project
Dec 13, 2017	DNR – State Receives Revised Permit to Mine Application from PolyMet
Oct 11, 2017	DNR – Quarterly PolyMet Permitting Update - 3rd Quarter 2017
Sep 29, 2017	DNR’s Public Comment Opportunity on Draft PolyMet Dam Safety and Public Waters Work Remains Open Through October 16, 2017
Sep 15, 2017	DNR Opens 30-day Public Comment Opportunity on Draft PolyMet Dam Safety and Public Waters Work Permits
Aug 11, 2017	DNR opens public comment period on draft PolyMet water appropriation permits
Jul 11, 2017	DNR – Quarterly PolyMet Permitting Update
Jun 19, 2017	DNR – State Requests Review of PolyMet’s Public Waters Work permit application
May 16, 2017	DNR – State receives revised Dam Safety permit applications and a new Public Waters Work permit application
Apr 14, 2017	DNR – Quarterly PolyMet Permitting Update
Feb 08, 2017	DNR – State Receives Updated Water Appropriation Permit Application from PolyMet
Jan 11, 2017	DNR - Quarterly PolyMet permitting update
Nov 03, 2016	DNR – State Receives Permit to Mine Application and Financial Assurance Proposals from PolyMet
Jul 11, 2016	DNR – State Receives Dam Safety and Water Appropriation Permit Applications from PolyMet
Jun 16, 2016	DNR-Reminder to Sign Up for PolyMet NorthMet Project Updates
Apr 18, 2016	DNR – PolyMet Informational Meeting Sign Policy and Information Available
Apr 14, 2016	DNR – State Launches PolyMet Permitting Portal
Apr 13, 2016	DNR selects financial assurance contractor to assist in review of potential PolyMet permit application
Apr 13, 2016	DNR to host public information meeting in advance of PolyMet permit application