Copper mining is an integral part of Minnesota's economy. The state is home to a range of companies from promising startups to well-established players, all involved in the extraction of this valuable metal. These businesses not only produce copper but also frequently extract other minerals such as nickel and cobalt, contributing to a diverse mining portfolio. Their dedication to responsible mining is a key theme, with many prioritizing sustainable practices and community involvement. As the global demand for copper continues to rise due to its myriad uses in electronics and green tech, the future of Minnesota's copper mining industry looks promising.


Top 19 copper mining companies in Minnesota

1. PolyMet Mining, Inc.

  • Website: polymetmining.com
  • Headquarters: Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota, United States
  • Founded: 1981
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
  • LinkedIn

Polymet Mining is a next-generation mining company based in Minnesota. They offer explorations and mining of copper, nickel, and other minerals. With a focus on sustainability and responsible mining practices, Polymet Mining is committed to sustainable development and corporate governance.


2. Twin Metals Minnesota LLC

Twin Metals is a mining company based in Minnesota, committed to developing and operating a safe underground mine. They aim to balance environmental stewardship with economic growth, creating jobs and supplying essential metals like copper, nickel, and cobalt. With a focus on responsible mining, Twin Metals contributes to the worldwide green economy and supports the local community.


3. MiningMinnesota

MiningMinnesota is committed to responsible mining, processing, and domestic supply chain utilization of mineral resources to bring growth and job creation to Minnesota while advancing a sustainable future.


4. Magnetation, Inc.

  • Website: magnetation.com
  • Headquarters: Grand Rapids, Minnesota, United States
  • Founded: 2006
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

Magnetation is an iron ore mining company that produces high-quality iron ore concentrate. They recover ore from previously abandoned waste stockpiles and tailings basins, supplying North American steel mills with the primary raw material for steel production.


5. SME Twin Cities

  • Website: smetwincities.org
  • Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
  • Headcount: 1-10

The 2020 SME Student Chapter awards, sponsored by SME MN & SME TC, were presented to two deserving recipients: the $1500 Ernest K. Lehmann Award to Alicia Stone; and the $1500 Gust Bitsianes Award to Chris Thielsen. Congratulations, students! The November 2019 SME Twin Cities luncheon featured speakers Bethany Kelly and Omid Mohseni of Barr Engineering; Thursday, November 21, Metropolitan Ballroom, 5418 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, 1130 AM to 1 PM Speakers: Bethany Kelly and Omid Mohseni, Barr Engineering Bios: Bethany Kelly joined Barr in 2007, after graduating from Montana Tech with a masters degree in geological engineering. She is a senior geotechnical engineer, working on dams and related work. Omid Mohseni is a senior water resources engineer, working in hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and modeling of watersheds, rivers, The January 2020 SME Twin Cities luncheon featured speaker David Ulrich, who presented a Twin Metals update; Thursday, January 16, Metropolitan Ballroom, 5418 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, 1130 AM to 1 PM Topic: Twin Metals Update - a discussion of the mine plan recently submitted to state and federal regulators, and other technical aspects of the project. Bio: David Ulrich, a Minnesotan with 40 years of leadership experience, joined Twin Metals Minnesota at its inception, working in workforce development, and now in communications. He lives in Minneapolis and enjoys time at the cabin. The February 2020 SME Twin Cities luncheon featured speaker Brad Moore, who will present a PolyMet update; Thursday, February 20, Metropolitan Ballroom, 5418 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, 1130 AM to 1 PM Bio: Brad Moore joined PolyMet Mining, Inc. in 2011 as Executive Vice President, Environmental and Governmental Affairs. Brad oversees environmental review and permitting of the NorthMet project, as well as its governmental and regulatory relations a field in which he has over 25 years of experience. Brad holds a BA in political science from St. Olaf College, and an MA in public affairs from the ...


6. Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness

Friends of the Boundary Waters is an organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. They offer wilderness education, volunteer opportunities, and resources for those wishing to explore the area.


7. L&M Radiator, Inc.

  • Website: mesabi.com
  • Headquarters: Hibbing, Minnesota, United States
  • Founded: 1957
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

L&M Radiator, Inc. provides MESABI® flexible core heat exchangers for heavy-duty equipment fleets. They offer custom heat transfer solutions that perform under harsh conditions and can supply flexible core cooling and heat transfer solutions for various industries.


8. Save the Boundary Waters

Save the Boundary Waters is a coalition of 400+ businesses and organizations dedicated to protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior Ecosystem. They work to prevent sulfide-ore copper mining in the watershed, advocating for the preservation of water quality, wildlife, public health, and the outdoor recreation industry.


9. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is a sovereign, federally recognized American Indian tribal government located in east-central Minnesota. Their homelands span three Districts throughout East Central Minnesota, and they also have an urban population in Minneapolis. The Band's website provides information about their government, culture, treaties, and resources.


10. Proterra Investment Partners

  • Website: proterrapartners.com
  • Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
  • Founded: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Private Equity
  • LinkedIn

Proterra Investment Partners is a private equity firm specializing in natural resource investing. They offer investors proprietary strategies that leverage the strengths of their firm, focusing on agriculture, food, and metals and mining sectors. With a commitment to ethical conduct, they build enduring and thriving businesses.


11. Minnesota Brown

  • Website: minnesotabrown.com
  • Headquarters: Hibbing, Minnesota, United States
  • Headcount: 11-50

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12. Global Minerals Engineering LLC

Global Minerals Engineering provides comprehensive engineering and consulting services to mining clients worldwide. Their services range from permitting and operations to closure and reclamation, with a focus on mineral management, environmental science, and geological services.


13. Big Rock Exploration

Big Rock Exploration is a geoscience consulting company that offers a range of technical, quality, investigative, and safe services. They are known for their expertise in microscopy and innovative approaches to exploration. With a focus on strategic planning and executing ideas effectively, they operate their own private businesses and create value through quality science. Big Rock is committed to ethical and environmentally responsible business practices.


14. Superior Minerals Llc

Superior Mineral Resources is a mineral management enterprise with over a century of experience managing and owning mineral assets. They specialize in maximizing revenue for their clients' mineral properties.


15. Johnson Screens, a brand of Aqseptence Group

Johnson Screens offers environmentally conscious mining screens that have become the industry standard worldwide. With over 115 years of operation, the company provides well screens, casing, drop pipes, and accessories for water wells, as well as solutions for chemical processing, refining, industrial water, pulp and paper, and mining. Johnson Screens is known for its high-quality products, extensive resources, and global presence.


16. Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness

Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness is the region based wilderness advocacy group created by area residents to protect the BWCAW and other wild places. nmw was formed in 1996 to continue the local tradition of working to protect our wild places against ever increasing public and commercial pressures so that the natural features and processes that exist in the area will remain intact for future generations. Read the NMW Stewardship Guide to learn more about NMW.


17. Friends of the Cloquet Valley State Forest

  • Website: friendscvsf.org
  • Headquarters: Esko, Minnesota, United States
  • Headcount: 1-10

The Friends of the Cloquet Valley State Forest is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the natural and cultural resources of The Cloquet Valley State Forest and promotes responsible enjoyment of this unique treasure.


18. Up North Jobs INC

I Up North Jobs Inc. is a nonprofit advocacy organization formed to stimulate regional economic development, job growth and to preserve the mining, forest products and other natural resource based industries that carry on operations in our region. We are committed to counter the radical environmental organizations opposing proposed copper/nickel mining operations in Northeastern Minnesota.


19. Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters

Help Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters protect the habitat for fish and game in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from a new and dangerous threatindustrial proposals for sulfide mining, a high-risk mining practice never before permitted in Minnesota.


Want to find more copper mining companies?


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