WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), issued the following statement in response to the Department of the Interior canceling the Twin Metals hardrock mineral leases. 

“The Biden administration’s assault on American mining and natural resource development continues,” said Barrasso. “Biden’s decision to cancel mining leases in Minnesota will further increase our dependence on foreign sources of copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metals. Demand for these minerals is skyrocketing. The Twin Metals Project could have supported over 280,000 electric vehicle batteries per year. Instead of relying on our resources at home, Biden would rather import these minerals from overseas mines rife with child labor. Many of these mines are owned by China. Once again, Biden puts America last.”

###