The Obama administration Thursday blocked development of a copper and nickel mine near a popular wilderness area in northern Minnesota, saying the project could poison the vast web of lakes, streams, and wetlands that crosshatch the region.

Acting with just five weeks left in the administration, federal agencies refused to renew leases held by a mining company upstream from Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, along the Canadian border.

The action is likely to be contested by the company, Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of Antofagasta of Chile, one of the world’s largest mining firms. Twin Metals, which has plans to invest $5 billion in building the mine, argues it has a right to the lease renewal.

It was not clear whether the Trump administration would try to reverse the decision.

The company says the project would offer an economic lift for the region, providing thousands of jobs during construction, and hundreds, at least, once the mine is operating.

Environmentalists say mine pollution could imperil not only a pristine wilderness but also tens of millions of dollars a year in tourism revenue.

New York Times