The Partnership will Explore the Vital Need for Rare Earth Metals in Minnesota’s Expansion of Clean Energy Technology Through On-site Events, Educational Information and Video Materials

Ely, Minn., September 25, 2020 – The Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum (MnCEF) and Twin Metals Minnesota have announced a partnership to explore the strong connection between clean energy technologies – which require large quantities of metals such as steel, copper, and nickel – and Twin Metals’ proposed underground mining project in Minnesota. The partnership will focus on opportunities for policymakers and the public to learn about our need for mineral resources to accomplish a clean energy transition. In addition, the partnership will demonstrate the powerful economic and job growth engine of a clean energy-modern mining partnership and will examine the latest in environmentally conscious, responsible mining practices.

Events and materials developed through the partnership will consist of a Twin Metals site tour, with a focus on Minnesota’s potential to supply the clean energy economy, and a video documentary to share the importance of this topic with the public.

“A single wind farm can contain 15 million pounds of copper, and Minnesota will need more than 30 million pounds of copper to build the solar power planned by just one of our electric utilities in the next ten years,” said MnCEF Executive Director Adam Seidel. “Steel, copper, nickel, and other rare metals are vital components of clean energy technology, and we need large quantities of them to achieve our clean and affordable energy goals. Fortunately, we are literally sitting on top of one of the world’s largest sources of these materials, and we can access it in a science-backed, environmentally responsible way. We’re proud to partner with Twin Metals to share the “green energy, green mining” connection with the public.”

“The Twin Metals project presents an extraordinary opportunity for Minnesota to serve as a leader in supplying the minerals critical in advancing clean energy technologies,” said Julie Padilla, Twin Metals Chief Regulatory Officer. “This partnership marks our commitment to elevating the conversation around the important relationship between mining and our clean energy future.”

The announcement comes as Minnesota, many other states, and Washington D.C. celebrate National Clean Energy Week from September 21-25, an annual celebration of clean energy innovation.