Minnesota Court Upholds State Rules Supporting PolyMet Mine (1)

The Minnesota Court of Appeals Aug. 5 unanimously upheld state rules on nonferrous mining, a victory for PolyMet Mining Corp. as it pursues its plans to construct a nickel and copper mine.

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and other environmental groups had challenged state Department of Natural Resources mining rules, saying the standards are inadequate, don’t meet requirements under state law, and are unconstitutionally vague and unenforceable.

The three-judge panel rejected the groups’ claims. State law permits state agencies such as the DNR to exercise discretionary authority in rulemaking, the court said. Claims the constitution ...