MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ Twin Metals says it will appeal a federal decision that dealt a serious blow to its proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota.

Last week, the Biden administration ordered a mineral withdrawal study that could lead to a 20-year ban on mining upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a popular recreational area in the Superior National Forest.

The order also prohibits issuing new prospecting permits or leases for mining-related activities in that area.

Twin Metals CEO Kelly Osborne said Wednesday that the company plans to move forward with the project under existing law.

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