Minn. preparing to auction off leases for metallic minerals exploration and mining rights

Minn. to auction leases for minerals exploration

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota is preparing to auction off leases for metallic minerals exploration and mining rights.

The sale takes place Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Department of Natural Resources headquarters in St. Paul. Bids are due at the DNR’s Lands and Minerals Division office by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11.

The areas being offered for the lease sale cover portions of Aitkin, Benton, Carlton, Itasca, Morrison, Pine and St. Louis counties.

The DNR says the lands have been offered in previous metallic minerals lease sales. But the agency sees better potential now, based on the interest shown by industry, new geologic data, and new exploration techniques.