Dayton Letter Lays Out Twin Metals Opposition

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton is laying out his opposition to a proposed copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota.

The governor released a letter to the head of Twin Metals Minnesota saying the state will oppose any new mining agreements on state lands close to the massive outdoor recreation area.

Environmentalists fear copper-nickel mining near the BWCA could lead to sulfuric acid reaching water and air. Mining supporters say the work can be done safely and will bring needed jobs.

Dayton also said he recently spoke with the director of the federal Bureau of Land Management as it considers renewing Twin Metals' federal leases to express his opposition to mining near the BWCA.

A spokesman for Twin Metals did not immediately return a call seeking comment.