St. Louis County Board joins pro-mining chorus with resolution supporting copper-nickel projects The move Tuesday came after Iron Range lawmakers urged the establishment of a working relationship with members of President Joe Biden's cabinet. 9:09 am, Feb. 3, 2021 × PolyMet is reusing and reclaiming the former LTV Steel Mining site near Hoyt Lakes. (Photo courtesy of PolyMet Mining) Fears that the state and federal governments may disrupt progress toward copper-nickel mining in Northeastern Minnesota are causing the area's elected officials to react. Members of the Legislature’s Iron Range Delegation wrote a letter last week to President Joe Biden’s secretaries-designate of the Interior and Agriculture asking them to work closely with the state legislators.