The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has received a new request from North Star Manganese, Inc. (North Star) for state minerals leases on 800 acres northwest of Emily, Minnesota in Crow Wing County. North Star is seeking to explore manganese. The DNR is seeking public input on this request for state leases through October 30, 2021.
Manganese is a metallic mineral often associated with iron ore. The manganese found in Crow Wing County is the 2nd largest known manganese deposit in the United States. Manganese is an essential alloy used to convert iron into steel, making steel less brittle and adding strength. More recently, manganese has become an increasingly important mineral for the manufacturing of green energy technologies, such as electric vehicle batteries and off-the-grid power systems.
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The DNR has posted information on its website about this new negotiated lease request, including interactive web maps, details for public input opportunities, and additional information about the manganese mineral. Written public input about the company’s lease request will be accepted from October 1, 2021, through 4:30 p.m. on October 30, 2021:
By US Mail: Minnesota DNR
Division of Lands and Minerals
Attention: Negotiated Metallic Mineral Leases
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4045
By Email: MMLeaseSale.dnr@state.mn.us
Additional information:
Minnesota law gives the DNR the authority to determine which state-owned lands and minerals are available for lease and requires Executive Council approval before leases are issued. A state mineral lease would give North Star authority to explore for manganese.
Following consideration of any public input, the DNR will make a final decision about whether to negotiate with the company and present proposed leases to the Executive Council. The State Executive Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is on December 1, 2021 and is open to the public. It is possible that North Star’s lease requests will be considered by the State Executive Council at that meeting, if the DNR decides to recommend them to the Council. Information about Executive Council meetings involving minerals leasing is posted on both the DNR’s website and on the State Executive Council’s website.
